tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62532122973410743682018-03-18T19:56:34.904-07:00Lilly My CatKnitting, Traveling,Crocheting, Baking &amp; Lilly my CatLilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-91458496619304055382018-03-16T20:21:00.000-07:002018-03-16T20:40:50.870-07:00Grocery Shopping at my Persian Market<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Hello my friends.</i></span>&nbsp; <span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Lilly thanks you for the kind comments you left for her. It's been a nice week here.&nbsp; My husband took me out to lunch this week at my favorite Persian restaurant which happens to be on top of my favorite Persian market.</i></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3-Twi3kWgE/WqmeCMFJ_ZI/AAAAAAAAFvg/VvTpPSuPwm8SihR-AmxAQh4L5e7ganF8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_135319_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3-Twi3kWgE/WqmeCMFJ_ZI/AAAAAAAAFvg/VvTpPSuPwm8SihR-AmxAQh4L5e7ganF8gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_135319_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>This is a view of the market from the landing of the restaurant.&nbsp; We discovered this wonderful venue when we first visited our daughter in California 10 years ago.</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uol6CBpcTQo/WqmesNHrOII/AAAAAAAAFwc/EfcsOnEJrWgrX-aBG9Ug1-W2l8eBihYwgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_145101_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uol6CBpcTQo/WqmesNHrOII/AAAAAAAAFwc/EfcsOnEJrWgrX-aBG9Ug1-W2l8eBihYwgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_145101_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>After our lunch, we did a little grocery shopping.&nbsp; They had this beautiful Haft-Seen table set up for Nayrouz (Persian New Year).&nbsp; There are seven symbolic items on this table that are attached to the new year celebration.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wiGlHzLHM0g/WqmeoCmMbgI/AAAAAAAAFwY/hAOdjufhX2Y9sSjVCADkrTaRmsATMMkcwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_145202_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wiGlHzLHM0g/WqmeoCmMbgI/AAAAAAAAFwY/hAOdjufhX2Y9sSjVCADkrTaRmsATMMkcwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180312_145202_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Next up is this wonderful, freshly made Sangak bread made in this special oven seen behind...warm and tasty!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWdY_M6EW6U/WqmeIIoi6DI/AAAAAAAAFvo/RQ_DT5AnMZgpvAS6OlhgyBQ0XpPJOPopgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_150724_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWdY_M6EW6U/WqmeIIoi6DI/AAAAAAAAFvo/RQ_DT5AnMZgpvAS6OlhgyBQ0XpPJOPopgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180312_150724_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>We basically buy all our food items at the Persian markets.&nbsp; Yes, that's plural and there are lots of them down here in SoCal.&nbsp; I love the meat counter where there are actual butchers who can prepare your meat to your liking.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0e2EMxuhyQ/WqmemB8rB4I/AAAAAAAAFwU/chTHPOObKFI_yyY_Jg4znkcdvwJUXFZOQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_145255_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0e2EMxuhyQ/WqmemB8rB4I/AAAAAAAAFwU/chTHPOObKFI_yyY_Jg4znkcdvwJUXFZOQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_145255_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Next up is the in house bakery.&nbsp; I sometimes buy these goodies as they are so yummy.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFZiZEIXdE4/WqmeckapM_I/AAAAAAAAFwI/1OyD4wniHNA_YcF28ofr7PPvRysElkXiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_145653_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFZiZEIXdE4/WqmeckapM_I/AAAAAAAAFwI/1OyD4wniHNA_YcF28ofr7PPvRysElkXiACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_145653_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Right now they have lots of already made goodies brought in for Nayrouz.&nbsp; These cookies are made in Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRf0ODqIFiY/Wqmee40Hz8I/AAAAAAAAFwM/IBhWYG47-4Euv04nL0mXQ7IekBO5B6v9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_145644_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRf0ODqIFiY/Wqmee40Hz8I/AAAAAAAAFwM/IBhWYG47-4Euv04nL0mXQ7IekBO5B6v9wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_145644_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>I haven't bought any of these yet but I may just have to!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQeeLnJNg3M/WqmeQtdMorI/AAAAAAAAFv0/veuRHL3syuovLg6lT8e02vTwDbSXj2z4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_150144_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQeeLnJNg3M/WqmeQtdMorI/AAAAAAAAFv0/veuRHL3syuovLg6lT8e02vTwDbSXj2z4gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_150144_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>They're known for they fresh, crispy Persian cucumbers.&nbsp; They were on sale this week at .79 cents a pound.&nbsp; My little granddaughter loves these.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJHh6ozBn6U/WqmeNXMd3yI/AAAAAAAAFvw/MlDmcyOngkUixwa4wDppxcPz92q6a1DpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_150156_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJHh6ozBn6U/WqmeNXMd3yI/AAAAAAAAFvw/MlDmcyOngkUixwa4wDppxcPz92q6a1DpACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_150156_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Their produce is always fresh and the prices can't be beat.&nbsp; I think because maybe they cut out the middleman.&nbsp; I don't know but most items are priced at .50 cents a pound with parsley and or cilantro at 4/$1.00.&nbsp; I used to pay $1.00 for a few wilted sprigs of parsley!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYZRUlbnkKk/WqmeavuYB9I/AAAAAAAAFwE/Ie1kXUAptbcv4aaWyD_WVrX71Tsf-EWuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_145925_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYZRUlbnkKk/WqmeavuYB9I/AAAAAAAAFwE/Ie1kXUAptbcv4aaWyD_WVrX71Tsf-EWuQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_145925_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Here is the fruit section.&nbsp; I bought some Cara Cara oranges; they are pink inside and so delicious.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_NqKUsMcjc/WqmeLNOov5I/AAAAAAAAFvs/Xrb2dpo2C6wBo2zrGr3-y3ducqV5VpUPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_150234_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_NqKUsMcjc/WqmeLNOov5I/AAAAAAAAFvs/Xrb2dpo2C6wBo2zrGr3-y3ducqV5VpUPQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_150234_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Most everyone loves bananas at .59 cents a pound.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3E9kKnmqaw/WqmeVZZwC_I/AAAAAAAAFv8/ophzK4xHb3EtmWLMHtipjXk81TZAEBBAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_150027_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3E9kKnmqaw/WqmeVZZwC_I/AAAAAAAAFv8/ophzK4xHb3EtmWLMHtipjXk81TZAEBBAACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_150027_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>The Persians are known for their love of spices.&nbsp; Their food is so flavorful with the addition of spices and wonderful fruits sometimes added.&nbsp; The prices for their spices are super inexpensive since they repackage them themselves.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-52M6NIdZAxo/WqmeSmNupcI/AAAAAAAAFv4/rZdB00u9MOU7pCdhS77GRCk1PbB9hRWSQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_150034_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>I think I've become a bit of a rice snob.&nbsp; Sorry, but there are so many delicious varieties out there.&nbsp; Right now my favorite is a sella bastmati rice which is a parboiled rice which I buy in ten pound packages.&nbsp; Sella rice has been milled differently and results in a unique texture.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdoimHzLaeo/WqmeGDQszlI/AAAAAAAAFvk/1vIe07u94NMjqp1UeD6_M5wdQ2XvQUO8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_151012_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdoimHzLaeo/WqmeGDQszlI/AAAAAAAAFvk/1vIe07u94NMjqp1UeD6_M5wdQ2XvQUO8gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180312_151012_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>I always enjoy looking at the home decor section.&nbsp; This time they have added these Nayrouz candles for decoration.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xX2pqLgC40/WqmeieXm6RI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/9JWAIBGZdRIqlcD8KkJ5lOmYqFRqkVHkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180312_145613_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xX2pqLgC40/WqmeieXm6RI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/9JWAIBGZdRIqlcD8KkJ5lOmYqFRqkVHkgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180312_145613_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>And, they had these special flowers brought in for Nayrouz.&nbsp; The scent was heavenly.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>I love my Persian markets where I basically do all my shopping unless it's cleaning supplies, cat food, etc.&nbsp; Then I go to my local Walmart grocery store (yes, it's only a Walmart grocery and it's not my favorite but for basic staples, it's great).&nbsp; Oh, and I can't forget Costco (big, huge warehouse store), which is a world unto itself!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>From reading lots of blogs, I find it interesting where people shop.&nbsp; Some of my UK blog friends have described their favorite grocery stores.&nbsp; When I lived in Washington, we had Safeway (it's Vons and Pavillions down here in California), Kroger (Ralph's here), and Albertsons to name a few.&nbsp; But, my oh my, are their prices expensive on fruits and vegies compared to my Persian market.&nbsp; But, when I do go shopping, I enjoy a bit of ambience if you know what I mean.&nbsp; The other day I went to Smart and Final to pick up a couple of items they had on sale.&nbsp; Oh boy, was it ever an unpleasant experience.&nbsp; I felt like I was in a warehouse.&nbsp; And, to top it off, the clerk told me the sale prices are different in every store!&nbsp; Alas, I didn't get such a great bargain after all :(</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Back in Tacoma, Washington, we had a Metropolitan Market.&nbsp; It was like a French market meets a NY eatery/bistro.&nbsp; It was so much fun to have lunch there and try all the exotic and imported foods they carried. Every Wednesday, they would get fresh bread flown in from Poilane Bakery in France. I miss those days but I have good memories.&nbsp; There's a Whole Foods a few miles from where I live but I seldom get over to that part of my area (I can't say city since you'll being driving along, cross over a street and you'll find yourself in another city!)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>It's suppose to be a quiet weekend around here with some rain showers.&nbsp; I hope wherever you are, that you are safe and have a wonderful weekend.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>With my best wishes,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b>Pat</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-88265148455564699482018-03-10T17:42:00.002-08:002018-03-10T17:42:52.310-08:00A Rainy Weekend with Lilly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Hello my dear friends.&nbsp; It's Lilly here writing today.&nbsp; My Mom is busy taking care of the grandchildren so she suggested that I write this blog post.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oG1QzIqmB9g/WqMUUVNDKxI/AAAAAAAAFuU/RcP11sE9JaQ3TQcZcqvnX8InpOWRnB6uACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180308_151249.jpg" width="300" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">I woke up to drizzly, gray weather today so I've had to stay indoors.&nbsp; I missed walking around the pool and looking for geckos.&nbsp; But, as you can see in this photo, I found my Mom's lily bouquet and chewed on the leaves.&nbsp; I know, it's a no no so she put the vase up on the fireplace; away from me and the grandchildren.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cCHAkZcLXI/WqMUX-oK4ZI/AAAAAAAAFuY/AZQnsg2E2-0-B8rOLcnZ75saOOk3I37qACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180307_173926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cCHAkZcLXI/WqMUX-oK4ZI/AAAAAAAAFuY/AZQnsg2E2-0-B8rOLcnZ75saOOk3I37qACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180307_173926.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">My parents took an overnight trip this past week to eastern San Diego county.&nbsp; My Mom loves the drive there since it's very scenic and such a natural setting.&nbsp; (They actually spent the night at the Pala Resort).&nbsp; I missed them but I enjoyed my alone time, too.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6oSoX9Ow5U/WqMUiov_qrI/AAAAAAAAFuc/Yrt4KljC13QP0gP-NZYG2pkTxLPuJZy4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180306_103755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6oSoX9Ow5U/WqMUiov_qrI/AAAAAAAAFuc/Yrt4KljC13QP0gP-NZYG2pkTxLPuJZy4gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180306_103755.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Can you believe that my Mom still irons?&nbsp; She irons every Tuesday and has for years and years.&nbsp; Who in the world irons sheets and pillowcases in this day and age?&nbsp; She insists on ironing and it really puzzles me. . .</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2k10cqVU0k/WqMUoAwrKgI/AAAAAAAAFug/iiebWSrtkXYsE5aIgvvEop0uxiXP88XYQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180305_175726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2k10cqVU0k/WqMUoAwrKgI/AAAAAAAAFug/iiebWSrtkXYsE5aIgvvEop0uxiXP88XYQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180305_175726.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">I'm not a lover of sweet things (I prefer fish and savories), but Mom made a country style apple pie.&nbsp; It's her own recipe using her standard pie crust recipe along with sliced apples, a few wild frozen blueberries, with a tad bit of butter and some brown sugar and maple syrup.&nbsp; It smelled heavenly.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63m263iCIuY/WqMUuYozaEI/AAAAAAAAFuk/NnMjYyqw07oXmBDv_tQibMjyKbViDoczACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180304_143600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63m263iCIuY/WqMUuYozaEI/AAAAAAAAFuk/NnMjYyqw07oXmBDv_tQibMjyKbViDoczACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180304_143600.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">As you probably know, I'm a lover of birds - all kinds of birds.&nbsp; Look what I spied this week near the pool.&nbsp; Two beautiful little doves.&nbsp; I sometimes hear them cooing.&nbsp; Such delicate little birds.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hax7Z1tNhog/WqMUxPq1YwI/AAAAAAAAFuo/YOemXeT6rlEUpRUC0FvtSh-K9f4GwQg-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180304_143624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hax7Z1tNhog/WqMUxPq1YwI/AAAAAAAAFuo/YOemXeT6rlEUpRUC0FvtSh-K9f4GwQg-gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180304_143624.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">This is the first time I'd have such a close look at these birds.&nbsp; After they flew away, we had two Canadian geese land in the pool.&nbsp; Oh my, was my Dad upset as they make a huge mess.&nbsp; They are so majestic though and flew away.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HcaB6Cx0rBg/WqMVGm9xthI/AAAAAAAAFu4/gOeMA2Wv6EkXvbhQuAn4-S5rDaSbR8qGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5ff4602ef555c91bb462314f5098c6fc-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="1280" height="145" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HcaB6Cx0rBg/WqMVGm9xthI/AAAAAAAAFu4/gOeMA2Wv6EkXvbhQuAn4-S5rDaSbR8qGwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-5ff4602ef555c91bb462314f5098c6fc-V.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Earlier in the week my parents went to the beach to have lunch.&nbsp; It was a lovely, spring day and they enjoyed it very much.&nbsp; The day before, there had been a shark sighting at the same beach.&nbsp; Scary stuff! (My Mom "stole" the photo above from my Sister who is an excellent photographer)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4stMNsW1W4/WqMU9m83G0I/AAAAAAAAFu0/ClRbIC2t_QYgUuqtgAQAi_ivk4Mpi1N5QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-0e1b79dfb996dfe05269b8895244e7b3-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4stMNsW1W4/WqMU9m83G0I/AAAAAAAAFu0/ClRbIC2t_QYgUuqtgAQAi_ivk4Mpi1N5QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-0e1b79dfb996dfe05269b8895244e7b3-V.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Well guys, here I am, relaxing in my recliner chair.&nbsp; I'm a bit upset since the grandchildren have come over and taken over all my favorite spots to nap.&nbsp; But, I will survive.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">I hope each of you have a wonderful weekend wherever you may be.&nbsp; It's always good to hear from you and I send you and my furry friends a big MEOW.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Hugs from,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lilly</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-20167328879137657082018-03-01T10:57:00.000-08:002018-03-01T13:27:48.275-08:00School Shooting in Moses Lake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">It was only seventy miles east from where I grew up, but this area seemed so foreign to me.&nbsp; It was a town with almost no history and with only a handful of people who had actually been born and raised there.</span><br /><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Moses Lake is a small agricultural town in Eastern Washington, situated in the Columbia Basin.&nbsp; It became a town in 1946 after Grand Coulee Dam was built.&nbsp; The building of the dam harnessed the power of the mighty Columbia River and also brought water to the semi arid land that held all the resources for growing vast amount of crops.</span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">It was back in 1975 that I first came to Moses Lake as a new bride.&nbsp; Being in a small town wasn't difficult for me as I was from a small town.&nbsp; What was difficult was that this town held no historical facets and the setting was flat, no mountains and no trees.&nbsp; Very different from the lush Kittitas Valley that I came from east of the Columbia River.</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Being young, I easily settled into my new life with my loving husband.&nbsp; I kept myself busy with my job at the bank since there were no children at that time in the home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Little did I know then that tragedy was nothing new to this little town.&nbsp; Moses Lake had been home to Larson Air Force Base which had closed down in 1966.&nbsp; Years earlier in December of 1952 one of it's transport planes had crashed and killed 87 people of the 115 on board.&nbsp; It was the deadliest aviation accident of the time in the US.&nbsp; Tragedy struck again in September of 1963 when 7 people were killed in the explosion of the sugar silos at U &amp; I Sugar Company.&nbsp; At the time, U &amp; I Sugar was the largest sugar processing plant in the US.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Tragedy raised it's head again on February 2, 1996.&nbsp; It was a sunny, cold winter day.&nbsp; I was sitting in my reading chair, waiting for my children for arrive home from school.&nbsp; My Dad, who was a retired policeman, had given me a police scanner.&nbsp; I was listening to it off and on and I sensed something was not right.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">When my daughter came home from high school and my son from elementary school, they confirmed my suspicions.&nbsp; A student at Frontier Middle School had opened fire on his classroom and killed two students, one teacher and seriously wounded another student.&nbsp; It seemed unreal for this to be happening in a small little town with a population of less than 15,000 people.&nbsp; Frontier Middle School was located on one of the main streets in the town, about 2 miles from where we lived.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Being a small town, everyone at that time knew of or knew everyone else in one way or another.&nbsp; Especially if you attended one of the old time churches in the community.&nbsp; One of the students killed, Arnold Fritz, was from our&nbsp; church.&nbsp; Arnold was 14 years old when he was killed by his classmate.&nbsp; I knew Arnold, his parents, his grandparents, his aunts and uncles.&nbsp; One of his uncles had retired from U &amp; I Sugar, his grandfather ran his own meatpacking business, another relative worked at the post office.&nbsp; Everyone was connected in one way or the other.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I knew the parents of the girl who was severely injured as they were customers of the bank where I worked.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">The gunman, Barry Loukaitis was a troubled youth who cited a saying from a Stephen King novel at the time he started shooting.&nbsp; His home life was disruptive, too.&nbsp; Sadly, no one stepped in beforehand to help him with his state of mind.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">The pastor at the church where Arnold Fritz attended was all of a sudden put into the spotlight with this school shooting.&nbsp; He handled it very well for the community.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">But, this was not the end of this tragic situation.&nbsp; It was just the beginning.&nbsp; You see, Arnold Fritz had a cousin, Aaron Moore, who also lived in Moses Lake and attended the same Lutheran church.&nbsp; It was another cold, winter day in December. I'll remember this day, December 6, 1996, forever.&nbsp; I was at one of my rentals painting the kitchen.&nbsp; I had my radio on and heard the news of a shooting in Moses Lake.&nbsp; It scared me but luckily it didn't involved the schools.&nbsp; I returned home to meet the children after school.&nbsp; I then took my son to the local barber shop and as I was waiting for the barber to cut his hair, I saw on the local news that the shooter was Aaron Moore, Arnold Fritz's first cousin!&nbsp; It seemed like deja vu as the barber shop just happened to be located directly across the street from the middle school where the school shooting had happened months earlier.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Supposedly, Aaron had felt depressed over what had happened to his cousin months earlier.&nbsp; Aaron took a rifle and killed his mother and little sister and then himself.&nbsp; Aaron's stepfather was not at home at the time since he had left for work.&nbsp; His little sister, Mallory, had been a student in the vacation Bible school class I had taught a few years earlier.&nbsp; When I heard this news, it made my heart break.&nbsp; Tragedy all over again.&nbsp; And, the pastor of our Lutheran church had to go through all the heartache again with our community.&nbsp; Our pastor's wife was best friends with Aaron's mother who was now dead at the hands of her son.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Aaron's body was cremated and they held his funeral.&nbsp; His mother and little sister's funeral followed.&nbsp; There was nothing left as everyone's heart was broken.&nbsp; Imagine how Aaron's stepfather felt as his family had been wiped out.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Since these tragedies back in 1996, this scene has been repeated many, many times at schools across the US.&nbsp; I applaud those Florida high school students who are now standing up and wanting change and I'm with them all the way.&nbsp; Believe me, you'd never imagine something like this can happen in your little town that most people have never heard of.&nbsp; There is a little brightness to the end of this story.&nbsp; Although I left Moses Lake in 1997, I heard later on that Aaron's stepfather had later moved on and remarried and had a child with his new wife.&nbsp; As I don't know the specifics, it's heartwarming to know that he had the strength to carry on again with his own journey through life.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I try to keep my blog "upbeat and bright", but I felt I needed to share this with you today.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Wishing you peace,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pat</i></span>&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pm7_I4KKmJQ/WphqPwaIUXI/AAAAAAAAFt4/WDO1xmQ6B7s4P4Ae_iLtN6vCTUbIgjojACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180223_145834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pm7_I4KKmJQ/WphqPwaIUXI/AAAAAAAAFt4/WDO1xmQ6B7s4P4Ae_iLtN6vCTUbIgjojACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180223_145834.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div></div></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-69341127255303219332018-02-18T18:59:00.001-08:002018-02-18T19:33:37.700-08:00Some Old and Some New<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Greetings my friends on a chilly Sunday afternoon.&nbsp; It was a lovely, warm day today until a couple of hours ago and the cold weather from up North has made it to SoCal.&nbsp; We're suppose to have freezing temps these next few nights!&nbsp; I know, I shouldn't complain but it is unusual for most folks who live down here :)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">There's so many things I want to share with you and write about.&nbsp; But, sometimes I am at a loss for words.&nbsp; My heart is heavy these past few days with yet another school shooting.&nbsp; I admire those high school students who are now speaking up and I am with them all the way.&nbsp; One day I will tell you the story about the school shooting that took place in our little town in Eastern Washington.&nbsp; That will be for another time.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Besides babysitting my little grandchildren these past few days (morning, noon and night), I had a dinner party last week.&nbsp; It's always enjoyable for me to plan the menu, set the table and all the other things that are needed.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp_VzVptyCA/WokTkfdf5UI/AAAAAAAAFso/4I9aGrmBeYQvlZfmbIPiNxA42atcALhMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180212_092547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp_VzVptyCA/WokTkfdf5UI/AAAAAAAAFso/4I9aGrmBeYQvlZfmbIPiNxA42atcALhMQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180212_092547.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">This time I decided to use my Mom's Community Silverplate.&nbsp; This flatware and chest have been around for as long as I can remember.&nbsp; I think my Mom would have purchased it back in the early 1950's.&nbsp; After my Mom passed away back in 1993, I kept this as a keepsake and didn't use it.&nbsp; Until last weekend. . .</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DM79au5lifM/WokTfClvK0I/AAAAAAAAFsk/gkfjMqjC6Os_XbXb3DxxVkHRk0lRESvtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180212_092227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DM79au5lifM/WokTfClvK0I/AAAAAAAAFsk/gkfjMqjC6Os_XbXb3DxxVkHRk0lRESvtwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180212_092227.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">It so happened that I rediscovered this flatware through a dear blog friend I recently met via her blog.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.margaretpowling.com/" target="_blank">Margaret</a> has the same flatware and had written about it on her blog.&nbsp; Of course I commented to say I have the same pattern!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VpaTfxsghA/WokTyoUPBOI/AAAAAAAAFsw/aCZoK706W0Em6N_YRu4uoJDthDtX_4VqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180211_090907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VpaTfxsghA/WokTyoUPBOI/AAAAAAAAFsw/aCZoK706W0Em6N_YRu4uoJDthDtX_4VqQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180211_090907.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">It was so interesting to learn about the history of this flatware pattern.&nbsp; The name of the pattern in the US is Coronation.&nbsp; In the UK, it is known as Hampton Court.&nbsp; Originally, it was designed and introduced back in 1936, in honor of Edward VIII becoming King of England.&nbsp; Of course, as you know, he abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson.&nbsp; Hence, the name was changed for the UK market but stayed the same for the US.&nbsp; When I set my table last weekend I found that I do have a complete service for 8 along with an extra&nbsp; dinner fork along with 8 extra teaspoons.&nbsp; So, I hurried over to Ebay where I found a matching knife and dessert fork so that my set can now serve 9.&nbsp; Hopefully, one day I can pass this set onto my little granddaughter for the next generation.&nbsp;</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkUHXYMEi2U/Wook_D1TzII/AAAAAAAAFtU/hcCbz8qInncfGdiRYSr4itQz__5IIC_FQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180218_171148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkUHXYMEi2U/Wook_D1TzII/AAAAAAAAFtU/hcCbz8qInncfGdiRYSr4itQz__5IIC_FQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180218_171148.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Now for the new, the bed is complete.&nbsp; After the bed arrived, it was another two weeks for the mattress to arrive via Costco.&nbsp; It worked out great as Costco's price and quality couldn't be matched at the places I checked out.</span></i></div><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrVn8Or0wMM/WokToz8w1eI/AAAAAAAAFss/oLD1FWphzjsuyMcb0NLqHx4xSTjxsVdrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180210_160249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrVn8Or0wMM/WokToz8w1eI/AAAAAAAAFss/oLD1FWphzjsuyMcb0NLqHx4xSTjxsVdrQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180210_160249.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Lilly was quite pleased to check out the new blanket and gave her approval :)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAjkJIJGP3I/WokUShzkOqI/AAAAAAAAFtA/VISuu5_5rC038UZ8VnuHWmw8wHIoBUWrACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180214_112409.jpg" width="480" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Between watching the little ones, cooking and cleaning and the never ending paperwork, I started on my new <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/theknittednest/winter-rose-socks" target="_blank">sock pattern</a>.&nbsp; It's a fun easy pattern and I love the yarn.&nbsp; However, I'm finding it's a bit hard to work in the evenings as the dark yarn against the dark needles can be trying.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Yesterday, my husband and I had a wonderful time with an impromptu dinner at the beach followed by grocery shopping at my favorite Persian market.&nbsp; So, there's plenty of goodies to make some nice dishes for the upcoming week.&nbsp; I'll sign off now since my homemade vegetable soup is ready to serve along with homemade corn muffins.&nbsp; It's cold outside!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">It's always a joy to hear from you.&nbsp; Please feel free to say "hi" if you&nbsp; wish.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Until next time,</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Pat</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-65243342111515870622018-02-06T16:31:00.000-08:002018-02-06T16:32:39.950-08:00A Fun Day Spent Shopping<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Greetings everyone.&nbsp; I hope your week is off to a great start wherever you may be.&nbsp; I had a lovely day today. I accomplished my housework early this morning since I knew I would be out and about.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZZTgn70lHg/Wno-oKBH_mI/AAAAAAAAFr8/1dylqfmM5a8bmMJIA7x_Uo9ji7X_5A9EgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180206_151612-EFFECTS.jpg" width="300" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">My daughter met me for some shopping and a quick lunch afterwards.&nbsp; We had a fun time together finding those bargains we can't do without :)&nbsp; I just had to buy some fresh flowers for the home before they raise the prices for Valentine's Day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUs4_bQMQk8/Wno82Rtw5XI/AAAAAAAAFrU/2G1xOX7e21kirWNvHWI2Zk_WndCM5r0iwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180206_152021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1508" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUs4_bQMQk8/Wno82Rtw5XI/AAAAAAAAFrU/2G1xOX7e21kirWNvHWI2Zk_WndCM5r0iwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180206_152021.jpg" width="376" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">After lunch, I took myself over to Home Goods which is just down the road from where I live.&nbsp; Look what I found!&nbsp; I've read about these for years and have never tried them.&nbsp; You might think it's funny, but I don't eat chocolate...long story about allergies.&nbsp; I think dark chocolate may be OK - I'll soon find out.&nbsp; The rose flavor was interesting in these as compared to the rose flavor I find in Middle Eastern food.&nbsp; I'm going to serve them to my guests at the dinner party I'm having on Sunday.&nbsp; While at Home Goods I perused the linen department looking for Italian linens.&nbsp; I found a set of Italian made 100% linen sheets but I didn't buy them.&nbsp; I'm sure they would be wonderful but I hesitated.&nbsp; I did find a new bedspread that should work great.&nbsp; (I know they're not called that anymore but I forgot the new name...)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGkr0KyDgjY/Wno8549scDI/AAAAAAAAFrY/DwmY5qCHNPgjEQpkBNnUy0ejQKQCOQlggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180206_152335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1550" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGkr0KyDgjY/Wno8549scDI/AAAAAAAAFrY/DwmY5qCHNPgjEQpkBNnUy0ejQKQCOQlggCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180206_152335.jpg" width="387" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Speaking of flowers, I planted some bulbs in pots this past winter and they are beginning to come up.&nbsp; My favorite is the hyacinth.&nbsp; And, my hellebore, lenten rose, has many buds.&nbsp; I'm so happy that it survived the poor soil it lives in.&nbsp; As a coincidence, the new Sock Society pattern I just received is called <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/theknittednest/winter-rose-socks" target="_blank">Winter Rose</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvCypVA8fnM/Wno89g-pz1I/AAAAAAAAFrk/Jb4yx_reyoor4DDyaMaPuFRVtAuGE2zeQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180206_152425.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">And, look at my geraniums blooming.&nbsp; I love the white one.&nbsp; In the middle is an Arabian Jasmine that has the most fragrant flowers.&nbsp; It reminds me of Egypt when my husband took me there on my very first trip.&nbsp; We were at Casino El Nil in Cairo (not a gambling casino), on the Nile River.&nbsp; Flower sellers were selling necklaces of jasmine and they were heavenly.&nbsp; It was my first time to eat ice cream with mastic (an aromatic resin from the mastic tree).&nbsp; The addition of mastic changes the texture of the ice cream.&nbsp; It is very popular in Turkish ice creams, too.&nbsp; Sadly, I don't eat ice cream anymore due to allergies :(</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">For those of you who don't knit or crochet, I won't bore you with any patterns, etc.&nbsp; But, please wish me luck as I'm baffled with my new sock pattern. . .</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Lilly sends her greetings to each of you.&nbsp; She had a restful afternoon sitting in my chair and taking her afternoon nap.&nbsp; Until next time. . .</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">My best wishes,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Pat</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-91151521072370169612018-02-03T19:16:00.000-08:002018-02-03T19:18:57.592-08:00My Universe is Complete<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Hello my friends.&nbsp; Do you like the title of my post?&nbsp; Haha, a play on words.&nbsp; My <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/theknittednest/sophies-universe-cal" target="_blank">Sophie's Universe blanket</a> is finally completed! It's new home will be in Turkey.</i></span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSWEbPY99kQ/WnY50kK3VWI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/Cl_3b9nwlu4c1GXnyCBX4pq1QarU6d9bACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180203_142236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSWEbPY99kQ/WnY50kK3VWI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/Cl_3b9nwlu4c1GXnyCBX4pq1QarU6d9bACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180203_142236.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>You may remember that I began this project back in July of 2017.&nbsp; I diligently worked on it every day until I left for Turkey and when I returned home, it kind of sat in a bag in the closet.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXPqBRU_-sQ/WnY55ZKR65I/AAAAAAAAFqU/5BhReo9yckoWx-d3oCNb81q0MJB7m_yUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180203_142301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXPqBRU_-sQ/WnY55ZKR65I/AAAAAAAAFqU/5BhReo9yckoWx-d3oCNb81q0MJB7m_yUwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180203_142301.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>But, like many of you, I hate to have unfinished projects.&nbsp; So, since the middle of January I have been working to get this blanket completed.&nbsp; I added my own design for the border (starts with the green leaves shown above), as I loved doing the red roses and wanted to incorporate it the edging. It's such an intricate designed blanket that I felt it needed a little more pizazz for a border.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4iDOwM3KiaA/WnZRFOINFZI/AAAAAAAAFqs/X9IBlpGJYJ0DHMU5TnP1jY9HpF8ela0EwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180203_152452_HHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4iDOwM3KiaA/WnZRFOINFZI/AAAAAAAAFqs/X9IBlpGJYJ0DHMU5TnP1jY9HpF8ela0EwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180203_152452_HHT.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Here's the little bag of yarn leftovers from this project.&nbsp; I must say, this blanket is a yarn eater!&nbsp; Originally, I purchased 15 shades of yarn but ended up using 13 skeins.&nbsp; I had purchased this yarn to make another Attic24 <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2014/08/coast-ripple.html" target="_blank">coastal ripple blanket</a> in a different color combination. But, after working on it awhile, I frogged it.&nbsp; My inspiration for this blanket was Kate over at Kate's Adventures; <a href="https://mamapez5.blogspot.com/2017/06/?m=0" target="_blank">look at</a> her gorgeous blanket she made! Isn't it amazing with that additional border? I ran out of energy and yarn to make my blanket any larger. . .&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_8u2mfRNvg/WnZROlb9S4I/AAAAAAAAFq0/-9B82vRtaM8BObBomqNz23bdZoA61fuhACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180203_152319.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>I completed my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/theknittednest/vintage-fairy-lights" target="_blank">Vintage Fairy Lights socks</a>.&nbsp; This was a fun and easy knit from talented designer Helen Stewart.&nbsp; I'm now awaiting to begin <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/theknittednest/the-handmade-sock-society-1" target="_blank">The Handmade Sock Society</a>.&nbsp; My new DPNs and sock yarn are ready!&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WA2Rrq31EDM/WnY6UwIffzI/AAAAAAAAFqc/F7xpkGTqYlMRRf7DCzmHkgt8zUez15cmgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-c55977194e531e9313111da06d55b64b-V.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>It's Saturday night here and my little grandchildren just left.&nbsp; My dear children pictured above, took off for a short 3 day cruise.&nbsp; So, I and my dear son-in-law along with my dear husband, took care of the little ones.&nbsp; It was a fun time for all.&nbsp; We will all be cruising together later in the summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday and I know absolutely nothing about football.&nbsp; But, we will celebrate on this day nonetheless.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>Take care my dear friends and thank you again for all your great advice regarding my new bed.&nbsp; The bed arrived a week ago, is all put together and now I'm waiting on the new mattress.&nbsp; Patience. . .</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>With my best wishes,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pat</b></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-31421434121588720232018-01-21T14:25:00.001-08:002018-01-21T14:48:00.140-08:00Buying a New Bed - Confusing?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">Hi everyone.&nbsp; I'm back again this week with a new post but I'm confused.&nbsp; I'll explain in a bit. . .</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDXRr6KtkcY/WmUL3h8ps1I/AAAAAAAAFpU/PD3w4gJdpnYEsU0iOhZ84tOqFFsC-z2wgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180117_095717-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDXRr6KtkcY/WmUL3h8ps1I/AAAAAAAAFpU/PD3w4gJdpnYEsU0iOhZ84tOqFFsC-z2wgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180117_095717-EFFECTS.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">My son surprised me with a new phone and it's been fun exploring the different aspects of the camera (it automatically made the photo above from the photo shown at the bottom of this post).&nbsp; Earlier in the week, we had perfect weather for sitting outside.&nbsp; Today, the sun is out but it was a bit nippy early this morning, although I see it's warmed up to 68 degrees.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tY0aG6qHDjY/WmULrSI-OhI/AAAAAAAAFpM/N3e4CRHSqkoJg-Lycsc6rsF_uSYqt3egQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180119_111837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tY0aG6qHDjY/WmULrSI-OhI/AAAAAAAAFpM/N3e4CRHSqkoJg-Lycsc6rsF_uSYqt3egQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180119_111837.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">Here's what I'm confused about.&nbsp; I'm getting a new bed and mattress for the master bedroom.&nbsp; It's become a rather detailed job.&nbsp; I bought a new King headboard/baseboard online and it won't be delivered until sometime next week (hopefully).&nbsp; The bed shown above will be dismantled and put in one of the guest rooms.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTWuPLSQS1M/WmULvIHMZZI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/bLt3MKN7-hMuENms4PCS7AhEg-dH2LXGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180119_121617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTWuPLSQS1M/WmULvIHMZZI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/bLt3MKN7-hMuENms4PCS7AhEg-dH2LXGACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180119_121617.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">Here's the newly painted wall in the guest room.&nbsp; Originally, I had made a artsy type headboard from two pieces of carved wood that had attached to the wall.&nbsp; Of course, we had to take them down and the wall needed to be patched and painted (by me, of course :)&nbsp; It's now ready to have the bed/mattress from the master bedroom moved in and set up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pA-mIq9A3mQ/WmUL9fCG5cI/AAAAAAAAFpY/jXiUO7PYCB4K1_stmY1y6rL0uFWdgLgbACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180119_112052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pA-mIq9A3mQ/WmUL9fCG5cI/AAAAAAAAFpY/jXiUO7PYCB4K1_stmY1y6rL0uFWdgLgbACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180119_112052.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">But there's more. . . the queen mattress set that was in this guest room is now going to be sold.&nbsp; However, the box springs to this set belongs to the mattress in the downstairs guest room.&nbsp; So, another switch needs to be done.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU3e9Dg3PR0/WmULixRfD0I/AAAAAAAAFpI/vzx6Koy0CeEHfMYx6BZzxKSYCyjNGlnTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_134959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU3e9Dg3PR0/WmULixRfD0I/AAAAAAAAFpI/vzx6Koy0CeEHfMYx6BZzxKSYCyjNGlnTgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180121_134959.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">It's become one job after another.&nbsp; Hopefully, the bed will arrive in perfect shape and we can put it together.&nbsp; I've already bought a set of new sheets (which I loved shopping for), along with a new blanket.&nbsp; But, I'm totally out of the loop when it comes to proper bedding.&nbsp; There are no "bedspreads" now days.&nbsp; All duvet sets.&nbsp; I'm going to enlist the help of my daughter, who is an expert on these things.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><img height="400" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/45035323/resize-h490-p1-w490%5Ecompr-r85/4206/42066408/Baxendale+Panel+Bed.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the bed I ordered (photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Astoria-Grand-Baxendale-Panel-Bed-ASTG4671-L12-K~ASTG4671.html?refid=GX103455975523-ASTG4671&amp;device=c&amp;ptid=275891064162&amp;targetid=pla-275891064162&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs-XzxZDq2AIVCRBpCh05CQl-EAQYASABEgLuRfD_BwE" target="_blank">Wayfair</a>).&nbsp; My daughter told me it looks like what old people like!&nbsp; That's OK as I'm happy to be old.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Last but not least, we have to buy a new mattress!&nbsp; Luckily, I live in an area where there's lot of choices.&nbsp; Too many choices, maybe.&nbsp; I think I'll go with Costco as they have an excellent price on a brand I want and a no hassle return policy.&nbsp; And, best of all, they deliver and place it on your bed for free!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4I-3agoOts/WmUMTW-wYAI/AAAAAAAAFpg/Lrn4bLibHn83oxBhUMfXR1Y6BkWHaeUXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180117_095717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4I-3agoOts/WmUMTW-wYAI/AAAAAAAAFpg/Lrn4bLibHn83oxBhUMfXR1Y6BkWHaeUXACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180117_095717.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">Oh, there's a little more to this story.&nbsp; My dear husband helped my son take the mattress from the guest room out to the garage.&nbsp; I didn't think much of it.&nbsp; But, yesterday, he had terrific chest pain and couldn't breath.&nbsp; We went to the ER last night and thankfully, he checks out OK.&nbsp; We're thinking it's because he lifted and used some muscles he hadn't used in a long time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">I'm hoping this saga of the new bed will soon be over.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">Sending everyone my best wishes,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Pat</i></span></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-77163998402640611482018-01-11T16:31:00.003-08:002018-01-11T17:19:37.593-08:00Homemade Bread, Etsy Purchases and Grandchildren<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Hello my friends.&nbsp; I'm sitting here on a bright, sunny afternoon, enjoying the freshness after our rainstorm on Tuesday.&nbsp; When it rains, it can <i>pour </i>down here in southern California.&nbsp; Our pool is filled to the top but luckily it didn't overflow.&nbsp; I feel <i>so sad </i>for all those people who have lost life or home from the ravages of the floods due to the Thomas Fire (which is about 100 miles north of where I live).&nbsp; Sometimes, we can take things for granted.&nbsp; I'm so thankful every day.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBtFsKHHibA/WlfleG1nXxI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/YGVigluQWVssqKjmgrF1SDt6_g13n6RiQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBtFsKHHibA/WlfleG1nXxI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/YGVigluQWVssqKjmgrF1SDt6_g13n6RiQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2604.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Being thankful, I'm so thankful for the many blog friends I have met.&nbsp; I get so many great ideas from all of you.&nbsp; It can be books, fiber arts, recipes, gardening or just some great advice now and then.&nbsp; The other day I was reading<a href="http://wwwmorningsminion.blogspot.com/2018/01/basic-bread.html" target="_blank"> Morning's Minion's</a> blog and she had shared her recipe for some wonderful homemade bread.&nbsp; She's an expert bread baker! I used to bake bread regularly but for the past few years, my yeast baking has consisted of rolls.&nbsp; Today, I made the bread pictured above.&nbsp; You can find my recipe at the bottom of this post if you wish to try it.&nbsp; (I think it didn't proof enough hence the crack in the loaf).</span></span></div><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7PRbx6N1Fo/WlflmOhcWRI/AAAAAAAAFoY/W3cOviYmLS0c7QW_AaQi68pbTXQb7aNigCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2602_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7PRbx6N1Fo/WlflmOhcWRI/AAAAAAAAFoY/W3cOviYmLS0c7QW_AaQi68pbTXQb7aNigCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2602_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The title of this post today mentions Etsy purchases.&nbsp; I've finished my latest&nbsp; needlepoint and I found this much needed little thread catcher on<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/grandmajscreations?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank"> Etsy</a>.&nbsp; Isn't this just an adorable little fabric bag?&nbsp; And, it was like $5.00!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShwPxtFs_Xc/Wlflqpc5nnI/AAAAAAAAFoc/WbeI5RpmfPg3eyH4jI2ZnVS5MVq4gBplACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShwPxtFs_Xc/Wlflqpc5nnI/AAAAAAAAFoc/WbeI5RpmfPg3eyH4jI2ZnVS5MVq4gBplACLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2603.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I think I shared with you that I joined <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/theknittednest/the-handmade-sock-society-1" target="_blank">The Handmade Sock Society</a> and I'm anxiously awaiting for the first pattern release.&nbsp; I wanted (but didn't need :)) a new sock project bag.&nbsp; I found this adorable little project bag from this<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Knitrundig" target="_blank"> seller</a> on Etsy.&nbsp; It was a great buy, too!&nbsp; I used to sew back in the old days.&nbsp; But, my sewing skills are circa 1970's and it makes me nervous with clipping all those threads, etc.&nbsp; Hence, my love of knitting/crochet/needlepoint.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1206" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6MUPK3gh84/Wlfmds-PKLI/AAAAAAAAFos/s89xXCwH2XYVuw6jIZkLx2smhf48EIDsgCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2605_1.jpg" width="482" />&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">For the past few months, my dear husband has been having some medical tests are still inconclusive.&nbsp; On our way home from the doctor on Tuesday, during a torrential downpour, we stopped at Trader Joe's and I just had to buy this colorful cyclamen complete with the flower pot.&nbsp; I'm wondering if this is a plant and I can keep and have it bloom again?</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1280" height="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMUO5fVUpRw/Wlfl97viVKI/AAAAAAAAFog/WsE5n8b4kWs5hNxcB7d67ER0HAWJqfijgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-32555ea194004fb661c8f81d5cae74f8-V.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">My little granddaughter is here for a couple of nights.&nbsp; Here she is at her home helping her Mom set the table.&nbsp; Her older brother (my first grandchild), will join her tomorrow for a fun time with Grandma and Grandpa.&nbsp; The joys of being a grandparent!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I hope that the New Year is being good to you.&nbsp; Lilly is doing well and wanted me to send her "meows" to everyone, too!&nbsp; Until next time . . .</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">My best wishes,</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><u><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pat's Whole Wheat Bread</span></span></i></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 cups lukewarm water</span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 package dry yeast</span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">scant 1/3 cup honey/molasses mixture (you can use all honey if you wish or brown sugar)</span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 Tablespoons oil </span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 Tablespoon salt</span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 cups Trader Joe's pastry whole wheat flour*</span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 cups all purpose flour*</span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I used my Kitchenaid mixture to make/knead this dough.&nbsp; I placed the water in the warmed bowl and added the yeast.&nbsp; Let it sit about 5 minutes.&nbsp; Add in honey/molasses mixture, oil, salt and 3 cups of the whole wheat flour.&nbsp; Start mixer to begin combining the ingredients.&nbsp; You can give it a good stir with a large wooden spoon.&nbsp; Add in all purpose flour, gradually, until mixture becomes a ball.&nbsp; Don't add too much as you want a soft dough.&nbsp; Knead a few minutes in the machine and then remove beater and cover dough and let it rise for at least one hour.</span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Punch down dough and divide into four balls of equal size.&nbsp; Let the balls rest for about 10 minutes.&nbsp; Grease well two 9 x 5 bread pans.&nbsp; Shape each ball into a nice ball and place two balls in each pan.&nbsp; Let rise for about an hour.</span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.&nbsp; Place bread pans in oven and bake for 30 minutes or until they sound "hollow".&nbsp; Place a clean tea towel on the counter and put a cooling rack on top.&nbsp; Remove bread from pans onto cooling rack.&nbsp; Brush tops with butter.&nbsp; Let cool and then slice or freeze them as you wish.</span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">* I keep my whole wheat flour in the frig to prolong it's life.&nbsp; But, when I looked at it today, it wasn't fresh so I used instead this Trader Joe's pastry flour.&nbsp; It worked great as it's just a finer ground whole wheat flour.&nbsp; In you use regular whole wheat flour, I would use two cups whole wheat to 3 cups of all purpose flour.&nbsp; It's up to you whether you enjoy a fine textured bread versus a coarse textured bread. </span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp; </span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></i></span> </div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-90910882301303002022018-01-01T09:55:00.000-08:002018-01-01T09:55:16.012-08:00A Great Start to the New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp;<span style="color: #073763;"><i>Happy New Year dear friends.&nbsp; I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas holiday and a great start to the New Year.&nbsp; I've had a wonderful holiday season with my family.</i></span></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd60VJl92mE/WkpqcMLy-bI/AAAAAAAAFm0/5gMZFTx7E_klo5q_X8BlkZLN4LoDe7x9QCLcBGAs/s400/20180101_090245-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Yesterday afternoon all the family ventured to the Montage Resort where we sat outside on the veranda and enjoyed coffee.&nbsp; It was a perfect afternoon to watch the ocean and do a little people watching, too!&nbsp; It was my daughter's idea (photo above) and we all agreed that this was a great way to start the New Year's Eve celebrations.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7iWi8Nv2zc/Wkpqid7FDzI/AAAAAAAAFm4/KyvkSsE00AY6zr9hcz35GrKrH7BklB1cACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2580.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7iWi8Nv2zc/Wkpqid7FDzI/AAAAAAAAFm4/KyvkSsE00AY6zr9hcz35GrKrH7BklB1cACLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2580.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Christmas at my home has been all boxed up until next year (although I hope the true meaning of Christmas is in my heart throughout the coming year).&nbsp; My home is slowly coming back to it's normal, eclectic decor.&nbsp; My dear son bought me these lovely pink carnations.&nbsp; They brighten up the family room.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-an5hY9CLYcU/WkpqXM_KdZI/AAAAAAAAFmw/EAfprvAYoUImgKS7uSDZR3gFLLRCukQuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-an5hY9CLYcU/WkpqXM_KdZI/AAAAAAAAFmw/EAfprvAYoUImgKS7uSDZR3gFLLRCukQuQCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2576.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">My beloved knitting needles have made a reappearance, too this season.&nbsp; I'm knitting a pair of socks from the very talented Helen Stewart.&nbsp; They're called Vintage Fairy Lights socks and you can find the info <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/theknittednest/vintage-fairy-lights" target="_blank">here</a> on my Ravelry page. (Lilly insists on sitting my my lap when I'm knitting!) </span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxoPT6gWrdI/WkprtbVxXjI/AAAAAAAAFnc/FKlO4HZXKgkCDKXn_iljNJ7VUbw1-L0DgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171229_150349-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxoPT6gWrdI/WkprtbVxXjI/AAAAAAAAFnc/FKlO4HZXKgkCDKXn_iljNJ7VUbw1-L0DgCLcBGAs/s400/20171229_150349-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I love to knit socks.&nbsp; I taught myself how to knit them; unbeknownst to me that they can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily, I and my four DPN's get along very well.&nbsp; I love the yarn I found on Etsy.&nbsp; It's from<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/569256406/free-shipping-silver-bells-hand-dyed?ref=pr_shop" target="_blank"> Southern Skeins</a>; she is an indie dyer from Florida.&nbsp; Her yarn creations are so lovely and best of all, her prices are very reasonable!&nbsp; My yarn is called "frosted berries"&nbsp; which I thought was so appropriate for this project.</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img data-photo-id="71484663" height="400" src="https://images4-e.ravelrycache.com/uploads/theknittednest/488492580/the_sock_society_small2.png" style="height: 210px; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 210px;" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Speaking of the very talented Helen, she will be hosting The Handmade Sock Society.&nbsp; There will be six sock patterns included in this KAL.&nbsp; I can hardly wait until it begins in February.&nbsp; Fun times ahead!</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--X1TRinwUiA/WkpqzfmvmXI/AAAAAAAAFnE/Zxy1V7RK-a0QZ1Uo5R-IRv_HeiyEBvVgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2572_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--X1TRinwUiA/WkpqzfmvmXI/AAAAAAAAFnE/Zxy1V7RK-a0QZ1Uo5R-IRv_HeiyEBvVgQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2572_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I received some beautiful and useful things for Christmas.&nbsp; I love the perfume tray that my dear daughter and her family gave to me.&nbsp; It sits on top of my Grandma's antique bird's eye maple chest which is in my closet.&nbsp; It was fun to clean and rearrange the top of this much loved chest.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQeRW4g_gLI/WkpzPV9aTeI/AAAAAAAAFns/XBwPpfKjs8Eojx5Z-Aa-CNPB1atq7ywWQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2571_1-ANIMATION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQeRW4g_gLI/WkpzPV9aTeI/AAAAAAAAFns/XBwPpfKjs8Eojx5Z-Aa-CNPB1atq7ywWQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2571_1-ANIMATION.gif" width="225" /></a></span></i></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lilly wanted to say "hello" to everyone.&nbsp; She had a great holiday and is enjoying her catnip toys.&nbsp; I hope everyone out there who has furry family loved ones, to wish them all the best for the New Year, too.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you dear friends for being my friend and visiting my blog.&nbsp; I wish everyone a very Happy New Year.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With my best wishes,</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span> </span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-88010107518086180102017-12-26T10:25:00.000-08:002017-12-26T10:25:11.534-08:00The #stitchingsanta Reveal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Hello dear readers.&nbsp; I hope you had a wonderful Christmas holiday.&nbsp; Back in October, I signed up for the #stitchingsanta over at <a href="https://sewchet.com/2017/10/07/stitchingsanta-2017/comment-page-1/#comment-11440" target="_blank">SewChat</a>.&nbsp; I thought it would be a fun holiday activity.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image wp-image-3780 alignnone attachment-1500x1500 size-1500x1500" data-attachment-id="3780" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="Button" data-large-file="https://sewchet.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/button.jpg?w=820" data-medium-file="https://sewchet.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/button.jpg?w=300" data-orig-file="https://sewchet.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/button.jpg" data-orig-size="2126,2126" data-permalink="https://sewchet.com/2015/10/13/stitchingsanta-blog-christmas-gift-swap/button-2/" height="400" src="https://sewchet.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/button.jpg?w=1500" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="399" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;">There were two different categories; sewing or crochet/knitting.&nbsp; As you might guess, I signed up for crochet/knitting.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfdNBZerb9Y/WkJ6qDNZB8I/AAAAAAAAFmU/bRGLUs2W8T0zyLx6SwJWGHBvARnzs0IEwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2543.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;">My lovely package from <a href="https://christersonadoption.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Jessica</a>, arrived in plenty of time before Christmas.&nbsp; I could hardly wait to open these goodies. . .</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzS-5fla7Os/WkJ6QoN9-VI/AAAAAAAAFmI/-085OSmJmncpFRTZ3g9wgbiuL-hQUUd6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzS-5fla7Os/WkJ6QoN9-VI/AAAAAAAAFmI/-085OSmJmncpFRTZ3g9wgbiuL-hQUUd6gCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2548.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;">As you can see, I received two lovely skeins of alpaca yarn (I already have a scarf pattern picked out for this yarn), along with a journal, darling little heart, a wonderful book on lace knitting (it has a treasure trove of exciting patterns), a lovely little necklace, a real live Christmas tree seed, teas and Jessica even included some holiday catnip treats for Lilly!&nbsp; THANK you dear Jessica for everything as you really spoiled me!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHmDPqVIUrw/WkJ6c1GBa9I/AAAAAAAAFmQ/Mzei-TA-RnoSETtKF2Ep9we16YK14HNuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="924" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHmDPqVIUrw/WkJ6c1GBa9I/AAAAAAAAFmQ/Mzei-TA-RnoSETtKF2Ep9we16YK14HNuQCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2468.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The way the swap works, you send to a different person than whom you receive from.&nbsp; So, I sent the goodies above to Autumn over at <a href="https://entropycreations.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Entrophy Creations</a>.&nbsp; Sorry you can't see the "candy cane" pink yarn since I had already wrapped it up before snapping this photo.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Autumn makes the cutest little crocheted creature and she also knits, too!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;">That about wraps it up for me in regard to the #stitchingsanta swap.&nbsp; It will be fun to see what everyone received!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Have fun dear readers during this last week of 2017!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;">With my best wishes,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i>&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-55846764758148133742017-12-24T13:08:00.000-08:002017-12-24T13:08:18.109-08:00Merry Christmas from Lilly My Cat!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">&nbsp;<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello my dear readers. I hope that wherever you are this holiday season, you are safe and warm.&nbsp; At my home the festivities will soon be starting. . .</span></i></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dE6wjF-VCTs/WkALpn4wCvI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/RMd7D0YfPBsm6XsPs77zkW15QFUnACDUACLcBGAs/s1600/20171224_121651-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dE6wjF-VCTs/WkALpn4wCvI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/RMd7D0YfPBsm6XsPs77zkW15QFUnACDUACLcBGAs/s400/20171224_121651-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our family Christmas traditions kick off on Christmas Eve with</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ Attending Christmas Eve church services</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ Returning home to enjoy appetizers</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ Followed by our traditional Danish meatball dinner with red cabbage</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ Then the fun begins with opening gifts</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas Day will dawn bright and merry since all the family will be staying with us.&nbsp; We will continue the celebration with</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ Christmas breakfast</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ Then we open our Christmas stockings</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ The turkey will be roasted along with all the trimming</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~And, then the family will sit down again to enjoy our Christmas dinner</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and I will be back again after the holidays.</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas,</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span> </span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-17684012689752686302017-12-16T18:35:00.001-08:002017-12-16T18:43:24.375-08:00Egyptian Christmas Cookies Along With Danish!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Are you getting ready for my favorite time of Year?&nbsp; I've had a great couple of days spending time in my kitchen and baking my favorite Christmas cookies.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHxGopTYwCA/WjW6XIR0utI/AAAAAAAAFkM/A6gI4V3tM7QOt6nmGvX6tma_jdIIaIpZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHxGopTYwCA/WjW6XIR0utI/AAAAAAAAFkM/A6gI4V3tM7QOt6nmGvX6tma_jdIIaIpZwCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2524.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">First on the list were my Egyptian petit fours.&nbsp; I tweeked the recipe a bit and made them in single cookies without any filling.&nbsp; And, I just had to add some green Christmas trees.&nbsp; Every year my <b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://lillymycat.blogspot.com/2014/02/s-s-stavangerfjord-little-bit-of.html" target="_blank">Danish grandma</a></span></b> would make "spritz" cookies in the shape of green Christmas trees.&nbsp; I have kept the same tradition for my family. If you want the recipe, you can find it <b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://lillymycat.blogspot.com/2012/12/egyptian-christmas-cookies-petit-fours.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></b> on my blog from a few years ago.&nbsp; Remember, the key to this recipe is using clarified butter and powdered sugar which gives this cookie it's unique texture :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmsk0LMplFc/WjW6ZhzH0gI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/oOt4pVYWmTUPlriudFDwWxfpDlm--WRgACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmsk0LMplFc/WjW6ZhzH0gI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/oOt4pVYWmTUPlriudFDwWxfpDlm--WRgACLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2526.jpg" width="360" /></a> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Another popular Egyptian holiday cookie is Uraybee* or Ghorayebah* or as it's known in turkey, Kurabiyesi.&nbsp; I bought this mix in Turkey and brought it home with me.&nbsp; Luckily, it had only two ingredients I had to "translate" and again I used clarified butter and oil. (My oil looks green because it's grapeseed oil!)&nbsp; The cookies came out perfect!&nbsp; I'm sold on this cookie mix and plan to buy it again.&nbsp; Kurabiyesi is a rich, buttery, shortbread type cookie with a very fine texture.&nbsp; My favorite - yum!</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jVuPP4rGGMk/WjW6c_fwbNI/AAAAAAAAFkc/qPJiyJ9VtuQU3gRyOs6VO2EFLbJvJufRQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jVuPP4rGGMk/WjW6c_fwbNI/AAAAAAAAFkc/qPJiyJ9VtuQU3gRyOs6VO2EFLbJvJufRQCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2538.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Now, we're going to head back to Denmark and here's my pebernodder (peppernuts) that I made this year.&nbsp; Again, this is one of my Grandma's recipes and I just had to make them since my brother will be joining us for the holidays and he loves these as much as I do!&nbsp; You can find the recipe<b> <span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://lillymycat.blogspot.com/2014/12/danish-pebernodder-peppernuts.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></b> from a previous blog post.&nbsp; Remember, you need to prepare the dough the night before so that it can ripen&nbsp; the wonderful, spicy flavor. I love to pop them in my mouth, savor the flavor a minute or two before I bite into this delicious crunchiness.</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1062" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9xhUVikqlo/WjW6b7SVxqI/AAAAAAAAFkU/J0vNCXW-Cw8kOXprPuZOMYakVZMiYkLngCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2552_1.jpg" width="424" />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Today I made my Danish Kleiner.&nbsp; It seems that every culture has their own favorite fried cookie and this is our family's tradition from Denmark.&nbsp; Again, it's my Grandma's recipe that I treasure.&nbsp; Hopefully, I can pass this onto my little granddaughter so that she can make them one day.&nbsp; They will be put away in an air tight tin and wait the arrival of my son since this is his favorite cookie.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5a3bt3tP3g/WjXTY2xhcaI/AAAAAAAAFks/73YlJ86CRRI4Gb12tsMjYmDD6bJXM3vygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5a3bt3tP3g/WjXTY2xhcaI/AAAAAAAAFks/73YlJ86CRRI4Gb12tsMjYmDD6bJXM3vygCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2553.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Four down and one more cookie to make.&nbsp; Tomorrow I hope to make some plain, old, much loved, chocolate chip cookies but with a twist using Nestle's Holiday Baking Chips.&nbsp; Don't you just love how colorful these are?&nbsp; I'm using my dear friend Elizabeth's recipe which you can find <b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://eroosje.blogspot.com/2014/04/pascha-and-strait-up-chocolate-chip.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">What are you baking?&nbsp; If you would like to share, please feel free in the comments below.&nbsp; That's&nbsp; about all that is happening here at Lilly My Cat.&nbsp; I hope to share another post soon.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Blessings to everyone,</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">PS *the Arabic language can be hard sometimes to translate into the Latin alphabet since there is no standardized translation.&nbsp; But, you can google this cookie and see what you come up with since it's a popular cookie for all the countries in the Middle East.&nbsp;</span></span></i></span> </div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-6267952575815697672017-12-10T20:07:00.001-08:002017-12-16T18:40:22.794-08:00~~~ A Norwegian Christmas Luncheon ~~~ <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello my dear friends.&nbsp; Here I am writing about Christmas and we're having temps in the high 80's today!&nbsp; I'm still not used to being in&nbsp; California for Christmas.&nbsp; Last week my beloved <a href="http://www.daughtersofnorway.org/" target="_blank">Daughters of Norway </a>lodge held their Christmas luncheon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VYVsQBbI_7Q/WibWGWzIhZI/AAAAAAAAFhA/nZGQbAx4Ulo2vAZpDBM1ZPgOuo89nBJ6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VYVsQBbI_7Q/WibWGWzIhZI/AAAAAAAAFhA/nZGQbAx4Ulo2vAZpDBM1ZPgOuo89nBJ6wCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2482.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our dear member, Gerd, opened up her home to host the luncheon for us.&nbsp; The tables were beautifully decorated with the holiday theme.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAaGxmatroc/WibWH2SXryI/AAAAAAAAFhI/dwNgYwPtxYYWH5TS-JV1aS3Vj-aVVeiUgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMAG2483_2.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAaGxmatroc/WibWH2SXryI/AAAAAAAAFhI/dwNgYwPtxYYWH5TS-JV1aS3Vj-aVVeiUgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMAG2483_2.mp4" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The tree was aptly decorated and we placed our exchange gifts under the tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJSm4nj3ZTU/WibWHOOXslI/AAAAAAAAFhE/g2FY7K5vEakHcaKdbPLGqA7LFP-K_YvQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2484_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1418" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJSm4nj3ZTU/WibWHOOXslI/AAAAAAAAFhE/g2FY7K5vEakHcaKdbPLGqA7LFP-K_YvQgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2484_1_1.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our hostess had many beautiful Christmas scenes throughout her home but I loved seeing these Nissemen in their holiday finery.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J1YIs9t_8sI/WibWS8qFEiI/AAAAAAAAFh8/dmpmyE3t22syP1gckXWT8ig0iCGVhzNMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2495.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J1YIs9t_8sI/WibWS8qFEiI/AAAAAAAAFh8/dmpmyE3t22syP1gckXWT8ig0iCGVhzNMgCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2495.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of our members wore their Bunads, the national dress of Norway.&nbsp; Pictured above is Berit on the left along with Carla.&nbsp; Berit brought Carla her bunad from Norway this past year and it fits her perfect.&nbsp; I love the embroidered designs and the bag.&nbsp; The style of the bunad is based on what part of Norway you come from.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_TcPmNiN9I/WibWMEnmDDI/AAAAAAAAFhY/jmLHB44cI3Mk1uTQgu5rrIw3UwwYMdpgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_TcPmNiN9I/WibWMEnmDDI/AAAAAAAAFhY/jmLHB44cI3Mk1uTQgu5rrIw3UwwYMdpgQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2487.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There were more tables set up in the kitchen where all the food and activity was taking place.&nbsp; We had pickled herring on brown bread for appetizers and it was yummy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZk9yREo38Y/WibWQBlqNUI/AAAAAAAAFhw/xN2Vv8YR0OMvaL1IPDpkWIeDItD8dHxwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZk9yREo38Y/WibWQBlqNUI/AAAAAAAAFhw/xN2Vv8YR0OMvaL1IPDpkWIeDItD8dHxwACLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2489.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was soon time to take our place at our assigned table.&nbsp; Pictured in the glass dish is lingonberry sauce from Scandinavia.&nbsp; It went so well with the entree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSD7GveL5mM/WibWVRCJOEI/AAAAAAAAFiI/kpnQqqVT4v0ik732oWL8ZbJ6c-HSo2sYQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSD7GveL5mM/WibWVRCJOEI/AAAAAAAAFiI/kpnQqqVT4v0ik732oWL8ZbJ6c-HSo2sYQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2497.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We sang table grace in Norwegian before beginning our meal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw4NIE5NY6o/WibWPhRlblI/AAAAAAAAFhk/t3U_fHXHICA66DUP5zNhXZAEqwRQQmfPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2490_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw4NIE5NY6o/WibWPhRlblI/AAAAAAAAFhk/t3U_fHXHICA66DUP5zNhXZAEqwRQQmfPACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2490_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of food, here is what we feasted on; Norwegian meatballs with brown gravy, pork sausage, boiled red potatoes, browned cabbage, red cabbage, and a lovely Christmas colored salad with fresh vegetables.&nbsp; It was delicious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pBTQRD7fTg/WibWSVNHDLI/AAAAAAAAFh4/5Q9OcNLzn7EL_21upFp3s_41tuS0GMMIACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pBTQRD7fTg/WibWSVNHDLI/AAAAAAAAFh4/5Q9OcNLzn7EL_21upFp3s_41tuS0GMMIACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2492.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After our main course, we had dessert and coffee and then departed to the living room to have our gift exchange.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was such a lovely afternoon, spent together with dear friends and to continue the experience of Scandinavian customs.&nbsp; Being Danish, I'm going to have this same menu for my family on Christmas Eve.&nbsp; It's a tradition that we have had for many years, dating from the time when I was young and my Danish grandma would be in charge of our Christmas Eve meal.&nbsp; I warms my heart to be able to carry on this tradition for my family and my grandchildren.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are of Scandinavian descent and are interested in joining a lodge, please take a look at <a href="http://www.daughtersofnorway.org/" target="_blank">Daughters of Norway</a> or the&nbsp; <a href="http://www.danishsisterhood.org/" target="_blank">Danish Sisterhood of America</a>.&nbsp; They have lodges throughout the United States and are most welcoming to new members.<br /><br />Do you realize that Christmas Eve is two weeks from today?&nbsp; My home is decorated, the presents wrapped and now I will start my Christmas baking - my favorite part! Have a blessed week everyone and I will be back again to share some more happenings.&nbsp; And, Lilly, my cat is doing very well. <br /><br />With my best wishes,<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">PS Thank you dear Heidi for my new blog design.&nbsp; The header photo is from my beloved Gig Harbor, Washington.</span>&nbsp;</span></i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-54414923881756369792017-12-05T15:33:00.001-08:002017-12-16T18:40:46.223-08:00Lilly Update and Fires in SoCal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Thank you everyone for your get well wishes for my kitty, Lilly.&nbsp; She has been doing well and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she is over this bout of illness.&nbsp; She has her appetite back and being 17 pounds <i>little</i>, that's a good sign for sure.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXCkMYW-TfM/WicaK4buhVI/AAAAAAAAFic/g9F3CcJaS4EkNG8tcnTrpWBKKhWooFIfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2348_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXCkMYW-TfM/WicaK4buhVI/AAAAAAAAFic/g9F3CcJaS4EkNG8tcnTrpWBKKhWooFIfQCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG2348_1.jpg" width="319" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Like many of you pet parents out there, when she became ill, I was so devastated as I've had her for over 10 years and during that time, she has never been sick.&nbsp; Of course, she goes once a year for her annual vaccinations which cost a minimum.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKXT2pp7DJc/Wicf-weXaiI/AAAAAAAAFi0/hdcpDBlfKSwOoJDl5UKx_0gPARi9-axgACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2472_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1192" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKXT2pp7DJc/Wicf-weXaiI/AAAAAAAAFi0/hdcpDBlfKSwOoJDl5UKx_0gPARi9-axgACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2472_1.jpg" width="297" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">So, the trip to the veterinarian was an eye opener for sure. She was a lovely, young doctor who was so kind.&nbsp; She didn't have an answer right away but suggested a plan of treatment and then told me she'd give me the estimate.&nbsp; I was perplexed but I waited and the assistant brought in the estimate which had a total price of $713.00!&nbsp; Wow, a bit costly for sure.&nbsp; The blood work was approximately $250.00 and the x-ray was $250.00.&nbsp; Luckily, after a little discussion with the assistant, she suggested I give Lilly the medicine treatment (which was $201.00) and see how it goes.&nbsp; Lilly received two medicines; one for acid reflux and one an antiobiotic, for one week.&nbsp; So far, so good.&nbsp; But, she's my baby and&nbsp; if the symptoms return, of course I'm going to proceed with further testing.&nbsp; It broke my heart to see her ill. </span></span></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6qWU9ZiRn8/WicaeO9A4bI/AAAAAAAAFik/lAjKsI0qR3wH2aaM_WL7jteDw4-Ir5_9wCLcBGAs/s400/image-0-02-01-e67e4cd965b4a9efb57842062aafcf02b512283e59b5ce2862fee458ae529656-V.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Many parts of our&nbsp; beautiful, tranquil setting here in Southern California are up in flames at the moment.&nbsp; Yesterday, a fire broke out which they named the Thomas Fire.&nbsp; It started at 50 acres and this afternoon is has grown to more than 50,000 acres!&nbsp; It's northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County and many structures have burned to the ground.&nbsp; It's heartbreaking to see it on the TV.&nbsp; There are a couple of more fires that broke out today.&nbsp; The culprit is the Santa Ana Winds which started yesterday.&nbsp; They are very strong, warm winds that wreck havoc with our dry, parched land.&nbsp; They're expected to blow until early Friday morning.&nbsp; Luckily, I haven't heard of any fires here in Orange County where I live.&nbsp; Although, we have taken precaution and put away things outside and shut off the pool filter since it's filled with leaf debris. We are in a wait and see mode.&nbsp; There are dry, parched hills which border both sides of the area where I live. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">I hope you are safe and warm wherever you may be.&nbsp; I had a fun post ready to publish today but it's going to wait until another time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">With my best wishes to you,</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i></span></span> </div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-51704432709681390752017-11-26T17:54:00.000-08:002017-12-16T18:41:24.837-08:00❄ Christmas Season has Started at my Home ❄<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Hello my dear friends.&nbsp; I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.&nbsp; It was warm here on Thanksgiving day; we set a heat record!&nbsp; I'm so excited to share with you my latest find. . .</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dR4Bt0RSGc/Whtv4h0LV9I/AAAAAAAAFf8/L96YKb8L3YcmYhcSrU8LDw2cveY1y6fUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2439_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1211" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dR4Bt0RSGc/Whtv4h0LV9I/AAAAAAAAFf8/L96YKb8L3YcmYhcSrU8LDw2cveY1y6fUQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2439_1.jpg" width="302" /></a> </span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">&nbsp;A vintage 1949 Christmas issue of The Illustrated London Times.&nbsp; I found it at our local library sale last week.&nbsp; I was so thrilled to find this.&nbsp; It's truly from a different time where I think things were more appreciated and classy than today.</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">&nbsp;<img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqwf0dXJQ9U/WhtwcuJz1tI/AAAAAAAAFgc/gRySNIJ1Y_EKk3M1dziKxlwapaW3qTnPgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2441.jpg" width="400" /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">As you can see, it was published for the US market at one dollar.&nbsp; It was a weekly publication up until 1971 and it ceased publication altogether in 2003.</span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xuv1GtXuO_M/Whtv6lyKUsI/AAAAAAAAFgE/SjRPaAguADYNJzvt9FOONitF2S4EtPuIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xuv1GtXuO_M/Whtv6lyKUsI/AAAAAAAAFgE/SjRPaAguADYNJzvt9FOONitF2S4EtPuIwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2442.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">You can see that the insert for the subscription card is still intact in the magazine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAgfNKhIvvY/Whtv6t13QxI/AAAAAAAAFgI/5-uuCBrIkqkmil1nkkO8lwHDUKpG3cIHACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2443_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1088" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAgfNKhIvvY/Whtv6t13QxI/AAAAAAAAFgI/5-uuCBrIkqkmil1nkkO8lwHDUKpG3cIHACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2443_1.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">I loved looking through the pages and seeing the advertisements from long ago.&nbsp; This was published before I was even born!&nbsp; (And, my children think I'm ancient...)</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqlBgppY97w/Whtv9Gtpz8I/AAAAAAAAFgM/y5qn-nfN3wMVAy2Uj8-ZydYIiA74OeHpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqlBgppY97w/Whtv9Gtpz8I/AAAAAAAAFgM/y5qn-nfN3wMVAy2Uj8-ZydYIiA74OeHpACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2445.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">There were some beautiful illustrations in the magazine along with some wonderful stories that I have yet to read.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSDQkLqbTl8/Whtv-DQpeZI/AAAAAAAAFgU/x9CrWKwoB0YxNs_Uo7NFtgXI6FJPuJKaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSDQkLqbTl8/Whtv-DQpeZI/AAAAAAAAFgU/x9CrWKwoB0YxNs_Uo7NFtgXI6FJPuJKaQCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2446.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">It was interesting to read about the Christmas customs of today.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDTJ5Tv2jug/Whtv9fUEJ_I/AAAAAAAAFgQ/cu2X6l0VCfUSvwCL4KC3_iYgEjOmLN3WACLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2464_1.jpg" width="306" /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">&nbsp;Speaking of my favorite time of year, you won't find any bah humbug here on my blog.&nbsp; I too, don't like the commercialization of this blessed holiday but I ignore it.&nbsp; It's simple really.&nbsp; My shopping for Christmas is something that I look forward to do and I get it done early.&nbsp; We bought the fresh tree for the family room yesterday at Home Depot and as you can see, it's up and decorated with hot pink lights!&nbsp; It contains all the ornaments that mean so much to me.&nbsp; The living room tree, which is artificial, will go up in a week or so.&nbsp; Next up is wrapping presents to the sound of Christmas carols and baking my beloved Christmas cookies.</span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></i></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iewb0JqkQTk/WhtwuIiqYDI/AAAAAAAAFgg/VCoR4xTGVy4UITWMAIBz1f9jTNQsfv0vgCLcBGAs/s400/image-0-02-01-9cf85e8ee7b5903e0094549f430cda5556ad9d254d0d3b0c97fe64f1a029ab12-V.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">We have a family tradition that we always get our fresh tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving along with our dear daughter and her family.&nbsp; Supposedly, there's a shortage of Christmas trees this year due to the recession and drought from years past.&nbsp; Home Depot's tree lot was half full and many of those were already dry.&nbsp; This is my daughter's beautiful fresh tree which my dear son-in-law takes care of each and every year.&nbsp; And, looking at it in awe in the spirit of this upcoming blessed season are my little grandchildren.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Do you have fond memories of Christmas from years past?&nbsp; I do and I have always tried to pass that onto my children and grandchildren.&nbsp; Yes, we have gifts but it's not really about the gifts.&nbsp; It's about family, tradition, worship and all the other wonderful things that go along with this holiday that really has nothing to do with money.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">On a side note, I'm a little sad tonight since my dear kitty, Lilly, is not feeling well.&nbsp; She has what I could call kitty stomach flu.&nbsp; I will be calling the vet in the morning.&nbsp; I cried earlier today as I'm so concerned about her.&nbsp; She 12 1/2 years old and we've had her as a part of our family for over 10 1/2 years.&nbsp; She is my child that I still have at home.&nbsp; Please say a little prayer for her if you wish.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Until next time, I wish you all the very best for the upcoming week.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">With my best wishes,</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Pat </span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-90892369149583019762017-11-23T16:38:00.000-08:002017-11-24T14:22:51.852-08:00 Thanksgiving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving dear readers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DybsaTpShv4/WhdpH4feQgI/AAAAAAAAFfs/bgqtlrHGqTM1Zv0gTSz_0t0TgT8_hctkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DybsaTpShv4/WhdpH4feQgI/AAAAAAAAFfs/bgqtlrHGqTM1Zv0gTSz_0t0TgT8_hctkgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2452.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings to you all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pat</div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-30431733734578118752017-11-20T13:35:00.002-08:002017-12-16T18:42:02.497-08:00Chinese Tea in a Tangerine via NYC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi everyone.&nbsp; I hope your week is off to a great start. It's quiet around here after babysitting my little grandchildren last week.&nbsp; As you may recall, my daughter Heidi went to New York City last week and brought me...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyunNzawbY4/WhM-YmQJQdI/AAAAAAAAFeo/Y1h4v5e3ov0B1jLNpdgkbzj7M9h3KhZtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2436_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyunNzawbY4/WhM-YmQJQdI/AAAAAAAAFeo/Y1h4v5e3ov0B1jLNpdgkbzj7M9h3KhZtwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2436_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This little ball of Chinese pu-erh tea, all wrapped up in this pretty little package.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w326y0KoxcE/WhM-1_uRb5I/AAAAAAAAFe8/PqMxNZqlVAcIf1oQ8kE4Vvf1B1xNqGXIACLcBGAs/s400/image-0-02-01-5dac5423beab3c02f03ba70ef07016d04133641696a825b1833f7a74b03ffbc5-V.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;She bought it at <a href="https://mcnultys.com/" target="_blank">McNulty's Tea and Coffee</a> in NYC.&nbsp; They have been in business since 1895 and have a huge array of coffees and tea.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOGnCFf6zDw/WhM-ZLsgvWI/AAAAAAAAFes/0TWcwhgSsK0rawlyRc-6sNYt_H7RiLGlwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2437_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1308" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOGnCFf6zDw/WhM-ZLsgvWI/AAAAAAAAFes/0TWcwhgSsK0rawlyRc-6sNYt_H7RiLGlwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2437_1.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The tea has been cured in a hollowed out tangerine.&nbsp; As you can see, the peel is completely dried and the top of the tea has some dried peel too.&nbsp; Inside, there is black tea without any additions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3McPtTTZfiI/WhM-ZeB6ntI/AAAAAAAAFew/09Fx1NyqR4AdHqfZopRorCG6Zgoj8fntQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2438_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3McPtTTZfiI/WhM-ZeB6ntI/AAAAAAAAFew/09Fx1NyqR4AdHqfZopRorCG6Zgoj8fntQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2438_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was excited to try it.&nbsp; I warmed my vintage Japanese teapot and put in a spoonful of the tea, added the freshly boiled water and let it sit.&nbsp; When I poured it into my Japanese teacup, I was amazed at the lovely, deep, golden red color.&nbsp; The taste was heavenly.&nbsp; Thank you Heidi!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2PSU_SkRFw/WhM-l3AkSPI/AAAAAAAAFe4/QQuf93f0G5IYxSvolltgobhlOwjTKxbigCLcBGAs/s1600/image-0-02-01-1f5c9a4b41f716fc22116425886b7ecf0e9c75e1c05d411c4798a4dbdcac3fe0-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2PSU_SkRFw/WhM-l3AkSPI/AAAAAAAAFe4/QQuf93f0G5IYxSvolltgobhlOwjTKxbigCLcBGAs/s400/image-0-02-01-1f5c9a4b41f716fc22116425886b7ecf0e9c75e1c05d411c4798a4dbdcac3fe0-V.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of Heidi, she will be hosting our Thanksgiving this year as she has done every year since 2008.&nbsp; She's already printed out her menus as shown above.&nbsp; I will be bringing some pre dinner snacks of Scottish sausage rolls along with some giant stuffed olives I found at World Market.&nbsp; It's our family tradition to play Monopoly each Thanksgiving evening.&nbsp; It will be a fun, family day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="https://ephemeralnewyork.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/thanksgivingmenu2.jpg" class="shrinkToFit" height="584" src="https://ephemeralnewyork.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/thanksgivingmenu2.jpg" width="369" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heidi sent me a copy of this menu from The Plaza Hotel in NYC from 1899.&nbsp; Look at those prices!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nL34cCdK-k/WhNFK6hoSVI/AAAAAAAAFfY/ZP3RnosJ5-8zRa8VUK7WcXSGCsE-3O7rACLcBGAs/s1600/image-0-02-01-1fc9d4c13cb1bc1770c98a4b4307c80e340bb866b921978e875c79ac3e95b295-V.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nL34cCdK-k/WhNFK6hoSVI/AAAAAAAAFfY/ZP3RnosJ5-8zRa8VUK7WcXSGCsE-3O7rACLcBGAs/s640/image-0-02-01-1fc9d4c13cb1bc1770c98a4b4307c80e340bb866b921978e875c79ac3e95b295-V.jpg" width="360" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She and my son-in-law went to The Plaza to enjoy drinks one afternoon.&nbsp; Don't you just love the traditional decor?&nbsp; It's my favorite style!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wjIZcmHeq04/WhNFK-O4QFI/AAAAAAAAFfc/Wls7Tbbt-10p-UrCBFr7CM3bSS8dBZe5ACLcBGAs/s1600/image-0-02-01-7171899c581bd5bde2a3a287e610c99053c728c74ba3c42e575384dc4f7ab636-V.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wjIZcmHeq04/WhNFK-O4QFI/AAAAAAAAFfc/Wls7Tbbt-10p-UrCBFr7CM3bSS8dBZe5ACLcBGAs/s640/image-0-02-01-7171899c581bd5bde2a3a287e610c99053c728c74ba3c42e575384dc4f7ab636-V.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heidi's favorite movie from childhood is Home Alone Lost in New York.&nbsp; I think she has every scene in that movie memorized.&nbsp; She tells me this is the Plaza hotel lobby where Kevin asks where the swimming pool is located.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanksgiving will soon be here and then the holiday season will be in full swing.&nbsp; We're hoping to get our Christmas tree on Saturday but in the meantime, we're suppose to high record high temps in the high 80's on Thanksgiving day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a wonderful day everyone and thank you for stopping by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My best wishes to you,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-65398204832084437512017-11-12T14:19:00.001-08:002017-11-12T14:20:00.569-08:00Egyptian Foul Medammas & Boca Burgers en Croute on a Lazy Sunday Afternoon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Hello my dear friends. It's a quiet, cloudy, wonderful Sunday afternoon here in Southern California.&nbsp; I love the cool weather!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gyBZ9irGyLM/Wgi8VXK5iqI/AAAAAAAAFdI/HAonodHzTR4TVPVL_wejkfxvv1tgFYMwgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gyBZ9irGyLM/Wgi8VXK5iqI/AAAAAAAAFdI/HAonodHzTR4TVPVL_wejkfxvv1tgFYMwgCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2391.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday was a glorious day to sit outside under the gazebo and drink a cup of tea and enjoy nature.&nbsp; Of course, I couldn't sit without my latest project.&nbsp; It's a large needlepoint scene that I purchased with 96 skeins of yarn.&nbsp; I soon found out that 96 skeins of tapestry yarn is<i> way too much</i> but at least I'll have some leftover for another time.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwD97PFZXfA/Wgi8VQbqzrI/AAAAAAAAFdE/Xv8GNg4cwzopWIdUMNB9QLjm1vFWFNLngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwD97PFZXfA/Wgi8VQbqzrI/AAAAAAAAFdE/Xv8GNg4cwzopWIdUMNB9QLjm1vFWFNLngCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2393.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted to fix something fast and easy for lunch so I made my husband a bowl of <i>foul medammes </i>or as you may know them as fava beans.&nbsp;<i> Foul </i>(pronounced fool) is an iconic food of Egypt; probably Egypt's first fast food.&nbsp; It can be eaten many ways; in a bowl with seasoned sauce, as a sandwich in pita bread with fresh chopped salad and tahini sauce, or ground and made into <i>taamia </i>as it's called in Egypt or more commonly known as falafel.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThppCxPSV98/Wgi-zN4mPjI/AAAAAAAAFdw/bKz3PcgZc5kgfMIh_-yA2NT66qZ6IIrfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2399_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1166" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThppCxPSV98/Wgi-zN4mPjI/AAAAAAAAFdw/bKz3PcgZc5kgfMIh_-yA2NT66qZ6IIrfwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2399_1.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the old days, I would buy the fava beans in bulk and cook them in my slow cooker.&nbsp; Of course times have changed and now you can find them already cooked in cans, ready to be heated and seasoned to your liking.&nbsp; The dried beans shown above are the large fava beans.&nbsp; The large beans can also be bought without the skins and these type of beans are used for taamia (falafel) or a wonderful dish called&nbsp; <i>bisara</i>.&nbsp; Bisara is a popular dish during the lenten fast as it consists of pureed fava beans mixed with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulukhiyah" target="_blank"><i>molokhia</i></a> and seasoned with garlic.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VGlXydebY0/Wgi8YXHJfzI/AAAAAAAAFdM/j3v1OMlCubM2WP7eTqvOCBHNuR2zBRYqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2394.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VGlXydebY0/Wgi8YXHJfzI/AAAAAAAAFdM/j3v1OMlCubM2WP7eTqvOCBHNuR2zBRYqQCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2394.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I was trying out a new crochet pattern when it dawned on me that maybe I should fix my dear husband some lunch.&nbsp; I had two frozen Boca burgers (vegan burgers) in the freezer which I browned in a skillet.&nbsp; I took two frozen puff pastry squares from the freezer and let them thaw.&nbsp; I them placed the puff pastry on a greased baking sheet, added a little mix of mayonaise and dijon mustand in the middle of each pastry, and then placed the Boca burger on top.&nbsp; I turned up the ends and added some cheese to my husband's burger.&nbsp; I baked them at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes or until nicely puffed and browned.&nbsp; I added some sauted onions (with a little Worchestire sauce as flavor) to the top and served them.&nbsp; Voila!&nbsp; A easy lunch entree.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOWg8HZPE_M/Wgi8amkJuxI/AAAAAAAAFdY/pf9xvBqpsfIcjHSZvsolc80AzqOtK0EhgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2397.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOWg8HZPE_M/Wgi8amkJuxI/AAAAAAAAFdY/pf9xvBqpsfIcjHSZvsolc80AzqOtK0EhgCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG2397.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have always wanted <i>double ovens </i>and now I have them in this home.&nbsp; I love to use my oven and I use it a lot!&nbsp; Unfortunately, here in SoCal, our electricity is so expensive and they monitor your use and tell you if you're using too much. So.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-snUCyPtJcTI/WgjB5YLXdhI/AAAAAAAAFd8/LQ6gGLQh1Do3CQTe8KFWdr8fsMmLWw0fQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2396_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1384" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-snUCyPtJcTI/WgjB5YLXdhI/AAAAAAAAFd8/LQ6gGLQh1Do3CQTe8KFWdr8fsMmLWw0fQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2396_1.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I easily came up with a solution.&nbsp; My friend has a countertop oven that works so well so I thought I'd give it a try.&nbsp; This is a Hamilton Beach that can bake, broil, rotisserie and convention bake.&nbsp; I purchased it earlier this year from Amazon for around $70.00.&nbsp; It works great!&nbsp; And, most of all, it bakes great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYc7WOilZUc/Wgi8xEbDkUI/AAAAAAAAFdc/RYVoFZtAec8qkgK5ogvC4nZOlWtVF-DowCLcBGAs/s400/image-0-02-04-0092f4d7105024649e0b28862a1ca2a12be93064482444b37771fac0dc56d536-V.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think today is the <i>calm before the storm</i>...I will be babysitting my dear little grandchildren, shown above, for four days starting tomorrow.&nbsp; Their parents on going to NYC and of course Grandma and Grandpa are here to take over.&nbsp; It will be fun to have them and make more memories with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope your are having a good day.&nbsp; I want to say <i>THANK YOU </i>on this Veterans Day weekend<i> </i>to all our Veterans who have placed their lives in service to our country.&nbsp; I appreciate and applaud your service.&nbsp; I'd love to hear from you if you have the time.&nbsp; Feel free to stop by for a <i>chat!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With my best wishes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: small;">(PS - if you are interested in any of the recipes I wrote about above, please let me know) </span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-54302651304403691182017-11-07T10:58:00.004-08:002017-11-12T14:22:05.935-08:00$ Money Saving Tips $<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello my dear readers.&nbsp; I'm writing you today from a beautiful, cloudy, glorious autumn day here in southern California.&nbsp; Like many of you, I read a lot of blogs.&nbsp; There are some very popular blogs about living frugal, thrifty, on a fixed budget, etc.&nbsp; It's great that people share their knowledge as a means to help others.&nbsp; Lately, I find that some of these "ideas" are a bit short sighted.&nbsp; You need to give yourself a chance to "think outside the box".&nbsp; Here's some of my ideas to add to this list . . .<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhDpniFkwgI/WgH0F2lu3kI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/Wk0mPLhCOHomvAO-clkBOmAsdnbqb_dhgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhDpniFkwgI/WgH0F2lu3kI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/Wk0mPLhCOHomvAO-clkBOmAsdnbqb_dhgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2376.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<i>BANKING</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Everything in life might not be roses, but there are always ways to improve. I worked for a bank for too, too many years.&nbsp; My husband (and I) still have his original checking account he opened over 45years ago! But, we have numerous checking accounts and we pay no monthly service charges.&nbsp; If you pay a monthly service fee, ask your bank how you can avoid this.&nbsp; Many times, it's a matter of keeping a minimum balance.&nbsp; Also, if you have all your investments in one place, you can quality for a higher tiered account; thus not paying any fees at all for either your account, checks, wire transfers, etc.&nbsp; And, check with you bank to see if you can get an ATM card with no fees whatsoever.&nbsp; I have one that doesn't charge me for international ATM fees.&nbsp; No fees at all!&nbsp; Last, my <i>number #1 </i>tip for banking is to set up online banking.&nbsp; OMG, for me this has been a lifesaver.&nbsp; No more do I have to drive to the bank to deposit my checks.&nbsp; I pay all my bills via my bank's online bill pay.&nbsp; There are many of you out there that will say "no way".&nbsp; I know because I thought this way a few years ago.&nbsp; But, let me tell you, it's so, so easy.&nbsp; And, it saves me time, money and it's a lifesaver especially when I'm overseas.&nbsp; I can pay everything or anyone via my online bill pay from my bank.&nbsp; And, best of all, it's<i> FREE.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yBe7ko5ybA/WgH0GM7dlTI/AAAAAAAAFcY/kzlZXskAq203dbBXtjHTb7ujGOeoIbYIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yBe7ko5ybA/WgH0GM7dlTI/AAAAAAAAFcY/kzlZXskAq203dbBXtjHTb7ujGOeoIbYIgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2381.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>CREDIT CARDS</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know that the clouds can sometimes block our "sun" so that we can't see ahead of us.&nbsp; Credit cards can be a blessing and a curse.&nbsp; I feel these past 20 years or so, they are a true predatory animal the way they "attack" people to apply and have numerous credit cards.&nbsp; I was brought up by parents who were raised during the depression.&nbsp; They always had a little "nest egg" put away for a rainy day.&nbsp; They were extremely careful with credit.&nbsp; If you can't afford it, don't buy it.&nbsp; My husband and I have been fortunate to have the same mindset.&nbsp; Do I have credit cards? Yes.&nbsp; My credit card(s) have taken the place of me writing checks at the grocery store, or retail store.&nbsp; But, the difference is I always pay my balance in full each month.&nbsp; I never ever accrue interest charges or late fees.&nbsp; Speaking of fees, there are many cards out there that may have a small annual fee but the upside is they give great points hence for mileage or other.&nbsp; Also, if you travel overseas, look for a card that doesn't charge you for international transactions. &nbsp; And, if you are a frequent traveler, you might want to check out American Express Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve.&nbsp; Both of these cards have great rewards plus free airport lounge access throughout the world.&nbsp; The bottom line is, use your credit card as if it's coming from your checking account.&nbsp; Don't overspend since you need to pay the bill "in full" at the end of the month.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9Jld3yoCMA/WgH0F08fK6I/AAAAAAAAFcU/gXCUl0vuNUg1ozV2qB2bijY4WAYrU-UygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9Jld3yoCMA/WgH0F08fK6I/AAAAAAAAFcU/gXCUl0vuNUg1ozV2qB2bijY4WAYrU-UygCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2384.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>INSURANCE</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of a rainy day, it's nice to have a little something tucked away just in case you need it.<i>&nbsp; </i>One of the ways to do that is to take out a "whole life" life insurance policy.&nbsp; Especially if you are young and reading this blog.&nbsp; My husband took out one years ago and paid his premium in one annual installment each year.&nbsp; The policy has grown so that now it pays it's own premium from the proceeds it earns each year.&nbsp; As you know, the premium is based on your age.&nbsp; Hence, the younger you are when you take out a policy, the better off you are.&nbsp; It's great if you are young, take out a whole life insurance policy, pay the premiums, watch it grow and when you get "old", <i>VOILA, </i>you can sit back and enjoy the proceeds!&nbsp; And, after so many years, your policy will accrue what is called "cash value life insurance", CVLI, which means you can take out this money from your policy.&nbsp; It's a win/win situation.&nbsp; Find a reputable company and go from there if you're interested.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9-I1P-GcDM/WgH0JJ99jWI/AAAAAAAAFcc/mCpfnL9NRWUdA1JOh_TLBILLIfQlIxlpgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9-I1P-GcDM/WgH0JJ99jWI/AAAAAAAAFcc/mCpfnL9NRWUdA1JOh_TLBILLIfQlIxlpgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2385.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>ZERO INTEREST</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>&nbsp;</i>I love getting a bargain on anything!&nbsp; I hate to pay full price for anything unless it's an item that never comes on sale.&nbsp; Do you ever get those flyers in the mail for "zero" interest?&nbsp; Like from Home Depot or Lowes?&nbsp; I have accounts at both places and seldom use them except when one of my rentals needs something.&nbsp; The other day I had to buy a new refrigerator for one of my units (the one we're selling and needed it to look updated).&nbsp; Yup, $1,100 for some fancy refrigerator from the big box store.&nbsp; The upside is that this purchase qualified for a "zero" interest repayment plan.&nbsp; Hey, I'm going to save my money and use their money to pay for this.&nbsp; Hence, I have 6 months at zero interest to pay off this balance.&nbsp; Of course, I'm paying $200/month payment and it will be paid off <i>before</i> the offer ends.&nbsp; If you do this, just be aware that you will need to: (1) take your balance owing and divide it by the months of free interest they will give you to come up with the amount you need to pay each month, (2) make sure you pay the monthly payment you figured in step (1) so that you balance will be paid off before the offer expires, (3) their statement will list a<i> minimum balance due</i>, but if you pay this amount, your item <i>will not be paid off</i> within the set time frame,&nbsp; (4) BEWARE, if you pay the balance off "after" the expiration date, you will accrue all the interest charges and have to pay them! (5) be sure to pay OFF the balance in full before the expiration date!&nbsp; Lastly, are you needing a new car?&nbsp;&nbsp; You can shop around for a new car with "zero" interest rate or maybe .9% or even 1.9%.&nbsp; There's no need to be paying a huge interest fee for a car loan.&nbsp; There's bargains to be had out there.&nbsp; Just be credit savvy to save you money!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vaG3gvgQkzc/WgH0KJR3RlI/AAAAAAAAFcg/FRG3B75HFgocnuJgCfhIfbnn6EpxY4SFACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2388.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>CHRISTMAS</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorite time of year is just around the corner. I already have my fairy lights in my kitchen!&nbsp; Christmas doesn't need to be "bah humbug".&nbsp; I have a beautiful, small family so I always try and do my best to remember all of them at this special time of year.&nbsp; It's so different than when I grew up with cousins and aunts and uncles who gave me gifts.&nbsp; I start my shopping early.&nbsp; And, yes, there are a couple on my list that want the "name brand" item and that's ok.&nbsp; They will get their wish but maybe only get few gifts instead of more.&nbsp; But, you can find great bargains at Marshalls, TJ MAXX and Ross!&nbsp; Yes, believe me.&nbsp; And, right now there are some great deals at Nordstrom and free shipping.&nbsp; The other day I found a lovely shirt for my son-in-law at TJ MAXX but didn't buy it since I wasn't sure of the brand.&nbsp; I came home and found the same brand at Nordstrom!&nbsp; I should have bought it.&nbsp; TJ MAXX and Ross too, carries many&nbsp; name brands.&nbsp; The downside is that you never know what you will find there.&nbsp; But, it's always worth a try.&nbsp; Also, with the holidays approaching many online stores offer great deals on any given day.&nbsp; I found some cute items for my grandchildren at Carters with an extra 30% off and free shipping.&nbsp; Believe me readers, you can find amazing deals at 75% off retail many, many times.&nbsp; I had bought a Christmas t-shirt for my little granddaughter last year after the season to give it to her this year.&nbsp; I wanted one for my grandson, too.&nbsp; Old Navy (which I never shop at) wanted $14.99!&nbsp; For a t-shirt too thin to ever wear in cold weather and which he will only wear for a month.&nbsp; I went to Walmart.com and got him one for $6.47 shipped free to my Walmart grocery store!&nbsp; Sorry folks, but I do not like Walmart except here where I live we have a Walmart grocery which is great for household staple items.&nbsp; Walmart came into the town where I lived for many years in Eastern Washington and wiped out all the small shop owners.&nbsp; It's not my kind of store...I know, I did buy the t-shirt though! :(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wow, I have rattled on too much this morning and I haven't even had my coffee!&nbsp; Haha.&nbsp; I just wanted to help if I can and at the same time tell you to enjoy your day.&nbsp; Each and every day.&nbsp; We should be so thankful that we can walk and talk.&nbsp; Life is good.&nbsp; My heart goes out to all those innocent people who have lost their lives to the horrendous terror here in our country.&nbsp; Our country truly has to do something to stop this.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>With my best wishes,</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span>&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Oops, almost forgot!&nbsp; Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes you sent to me!) </i></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-91098966239326842502017-11-03T17:30:00.000-07:002017-11-12T14:20:42.128-08:00Another Glimpse of Turkey and my Birthday!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello everyone.&nbsp; I returned home from Turkey one month ago today.&nbsp; Time goes by so, so fast these days.&nbsp; It's been awhile since I shared anything about my time in Turkey so I thought I'd take you to one of my favorite places.&nbsp; <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alanya_Castle" target="_blank">The Kale (castle)</a> in Alanya, in the Antalya province of Turkey.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXcNtgwHWbA/Waz97HNOJ-I/AAAAAAAAFRA/jFGx2xU2KHwfFrS5U9c2XVBXY8Efm9QLACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXcNtgwHWbA/Waz97HNOJ-I/AAAAAAAAFRA/jFGx2xU2KHwfFrS5U9c2XVBXY8Efm9QLACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%B1z%C4%B1l_Kule" target="_blank">Red Tower</a> on the castle hill.&nbsp; It dates from 1221 and is still standing, watching over the port after all these years.&nbsp; It's a popular place for not only tourists but for Turkish people too.&nbsp; I loved walked along the wall and thinking about those who passed this way hundreds of years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jj5SBnhMRc/Waz95lbNy9I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/TqmsGkHZKNYK-6sa5fwDBe9GGunpAJh-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jj5SBnhMRc/Waz95lbNy9I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/TqmsGkHZKNYK-6sa5fwDBe9GGunpAJh-QCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2082.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Turkish people are very proud of their Ottoman history and this shows in the architecture today and even in their food.&nbsp; This is the entrance to a boutique hotel which is situated on the castle hill.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EWI0SpS-sc/Waz-U2WS0zI/AAAAAAAAFRE/MD0Ynr8OUGgS6PcZ6KWXOHiUhVmJ_-sfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EWI0SpS-sc/Waz-U2WS0zI/AAAAAAAAFRE/MD0Ynr8OUGgS6PcZ6KWXOHiUhVmJ_-sfwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2084.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We didn't venture to drive our car up this small, narrow street so we parked it at the entrance to this area. I loved walking the cobblestone streets.&nbsp; It's so quiet and beautiful with the tree lining the streets and walkways.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kFN2LOU0AM/Waz-dIihjYI/AAAAAAAAFRM/mc-SHUyMDS4b8saIrgXNz1cgiRzenhf-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kFN2LOU0AM/Waz-dIihjYI/AAAAAAAAFRM/mc-SHUyMDS4b8saIrgXNz1cgiRzenhf-ACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had dinner at our new favorite restaurant overlooking the harbor.&nbsp; Although the menu is in both Turkish and English, we had a few questions for our server.&nbsp; Luckily, our dear friend Irina was there to translate for us as Irina's first language is Russian and the server, who was from Georgia (the country), spoke fluent Russian.&nbsp; So, it was easy for us to order the items we wanted.&nbsp; The second time we came for dinner, the resident cat had had kittens and they were so adorable curled up on the sofa and chairs.&nbsp; Turkish people love their cats and they are very well cared for.&nbsp; Along the streets, you will see water bowls and food bowls that people put out for these little creatures.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xva2T86ny98/Waz-caUcpvI/AAAAAAAAFRI/kXhqysiLt1oHmSvFNcHGWOdRUoqucC4-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xva2T86ny98/Waz-caUcpvI/AAAAAAAAFRI/kXhqysiLt1oHmSvFNcHGWOdRUoqucC4-QCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2087.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Walking back down to our car, we discovered this amazing Ottoman style home that was restored by the original occupant's family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0RAH1ekxGc/Waz-x7dnvII/AAAAAAAAFRQ/9wneNfXCYaMAWTWdW02uDdB3u0wdUQzcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0RAH1ekxGc/Waz-x7dnvII/AAAAAAAAFRQ/9wneNfXCYaMAWTWdW02uDdB3u0wdUQzcQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2088.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the bad photo but here is the history of this home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zXswKZjYHo/Waz_FRxafjI/AAAAAAAAFRY/rTgB_mmdz1AF7gDvRZuqMd2W07UmtTQ1QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zXswKZjYHo/Waz_FRxafjI/AAAAAAAAFRY/rTgB_mmdz1AF7gDvRZuqMd2W07UmtTQ1QCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And, another view of the perfectly restored residence.&nbsp; Just across from this area, we toured a "new" Ottoman style villa that overlooks the sea.&nbsp; It was four floors and probably 6,000 sq. ft. A large home by any means.&nbsp; I think the price was close to $900K.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_fcFhbvdZM/Waz-5pmb0RI/AAAAAAAAFRU/y9c4WN512ywUAHd__gqFoCD9qLA1ox0NwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_fcFhbvdZM/Waz-5pmb0RI/AAAAAAAAFRU/y9c4WN512ywUAHd__gqFoCD9qLA1ox0NwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2091.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Above is a photo of an Ottoman style home that is not restored.&nbsp; I'm not sure I would feel safe going up there with these old timbers.&nbsp; But, just imagine the history attached to this place.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aH5Q-duD-c/Waz_i8gdOuI/AAAAAAAAFRc/2gEaWHG13kY9XUwqchWLulxar2zkTcFxQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aH5Q-duD-c/Waz_i8gdOuI/AAAAAAAAFRc/2gEaWHG13kY9XUwqchWLulxar2zkTcFxQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2092.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved seeing these benches made in the form of a boat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zs3LUgpnKpY/Waz_oZCCZ_I/AAAAAAAAFRg/EF1GsmHnTnwuTzRwOMKNdNVqVSGgY-u8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zs3LUgpnKpY/Waz_oZCCZ_I/AAAAAAAAFRg/EF1GsmHnTnwuTzRwOMKNdNVqVSGgY-u8gCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2095.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And, how I wanted to go up to these people's yard and pick a ruby red pomegranate from their tree!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x01IB8Wiv9U/Waz_1xXiNcI/AAAAAAAAFRk/bvp26UCTgXUB8PqghwDRc06vmwxkeYKVwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x01IB8Wiv9U/Waz_1xXiNcI/AAAAAAAAFRk/bvp26UCTgXUB8PqghwDRc06vmwxkeYKVwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are two sides to the castle area.&nbsp; I think this side is my favorite.&nbsp; You have to drive through windy, narrow lanes before you arrive at the beginning of this area.&nbsp; And, what a view you will enjoy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aEwR5s3JzVE/Wf0C1JWAPbI/AAAAAAAAFb0/5XNmvoNHyI0avMwitGXZNlpntLQuZ0ylACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aEwR5s3JzVE/Wf0C1JWAPbI/AAAAAAAAFb0/5XNmvoNHyI0avMwitGXZNlpntLQuZ0ylACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2153.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of views, this area is very popular with wedding parties for photos.&nbsp; Here's a photo of a bride and groom on their wedding day.&nbsp; I loved seeing the dress; isn't it beautiful?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUJ8twD-qqU/Waz_60x610I/AAAAAAAAFRo/JXdRM3E9y3k-zc4yFPJGdiyWrI0_537_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2124_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUJ8twD-qqU/Waz_60x610I/AAAAAAAAFRo/JXdRM3E9y3k-zc4yFPJGdiyWrI0_537_QCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2124_1.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was time to go back to our home after a wonderful time at the castle.&nbsp; When I looked at the photo above that I have in my living room, I was amazed to see how little the area had changed since this photo was taken.&nbsp; It's a reprint of an old sepia print, probably from late 1800's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The time we spent in Turkey was so&nbsp; magical.&nbsp; I think we finally have some sense of community there.&nbsp; We have made friends with two wonderful Turkish families whom we shared dinners and outings with.&nbsp; The one family are our neighbors and the other family is in charge of our complex.&nbsp; It was so kind of them to invite us into their home and share such hospitality. It was very special to us as we feel if we "live" somewhere, we need to be a part of the community and somehow assimilate.&nbsp; Hopefully, one of these days, we will stay long enough so that one of us can attend language school so that we can be better versed to truly be a part of this amazing culture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On a side note, politics is a messy business.&nbsp; America suspended visas to all Turkish and hence Turkey reciprocated.&nbsp; I'm hoping that things get settled soon.&nbsp; From what I understand, if you are American and want to enter Turkey directly from coming from the US, you are out of luck.&nbsp; If you wish to enter Turkey from another country, there is a good chance you will get the visa to enter.&nbsp; I hope that it gets worked out soon.&nbsp; We never felt unsafe, harassed or uneasy wherever we went on this trip.&nbsp; The Turkish people were always very gracious to us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR3uZLm-t8I/Wf0CAQSewTI/AAAAAAAAFbs/R5sVWr2Wp84aUwtdIu_86SJhuKPTLC1ngCLcBGAs/s1600/image-0-02-01-2acdf85cbde2154bf60ebd21e77ffa15163f587013140bc435210cfd6565e2bb-V_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR3uZLm-t8I/Wf0CAQSewTI/AAAAAAAAFbs/R5sVWr2Wp84aUwtdIu_86SJhuKPTLC1ngCLcBGAs/s320/image-0-02-01-2acdf85cbde2154bf60ebd21e77ffa15163f587013140bc435210cfd6565e2bb-V_1.jpg" width="107" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will close with this very poor photo of me today.&nbsp; My dear daughter took me to a wonderful lunch today to celebrate my birthday. It was one of those "farm to table" restaurants where the food was amazing as was the ambience.&nbsp; I've had such a great day with lovely gifts from my dear family and good wishes from my friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope that you too have a wonderful weekend where ever you may be.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With my best wishes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pat</i></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-49486975540943942342017-10-27T10:00:00.001-07:002017-12-16T18:42:48.881-08:00A Week of Cake, Lefse, Party Food & Socks!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello my dear friends.&nbsp; It's Friday morning here and our heat wave has passed.&nbsp; It felt like going into a furnace each time I walked outside this past week.&nbsp; Hopefully, we can enjoy some nice fall weather southern California style!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukoC7zn4qWU/WfE8YcjumUI/AAAAAAAAFas/-r_PsoeLDoIYttOXcRrQ9FMIHzOrk8gsgCLcBGAs/s1600/image-0-02-01-a2ba9e5bb758560b55f20372b27014b92d4d00520898604135ac729dcf19081b-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukoC7zn4qWU/WfE8YcjumUI/AAAAAAAAFas/-r_PsoeLDoIYttOXcRrQ9FMIHzOrk8gsgCLcBGAs/s400/image-0-02-01-a2ba9e5bb758560b55f20372b27014b92d4d00520898604135ac729dcf19081b-V.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's been a nice week here at home.&nbsp; Earlier this week we had some friends over for tea and cake.&nbsp; I enjoyed using my English bone china tea cups that I've collected for years and years. (I inherited most of them from my dear Mother).&nbsp; I made this seed cake from a recipe I found on the <a href="http://simpleliving31.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-simple-seed-cake.html" target="_blank">Simple Living </a>blog.&nbsp; I made it in my new 7" round cake pan and it turned out great.&nbsp; I was so pleased. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIItx0SAV2Y/WfE8YRBHPoI/AAAAAAAAFao/gF5e5Kxn7wEQlczYS-9e9mnB_-DDL8E1QCLcBGAs/s320/image-0-02-01-a557e8c6305a38cf6fd9e91332685a17acd21f50769221ff4e3bfd9acf52807e-V.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you enjoy drinking tea out of pretty teacups?&nbsp; Each afternoon I drink a cup of tea from one of my favorite teacups.&nbsp; It just makes me feel like it is a treat and an afternoon enjoyment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4qUdX_eFio/WfNcQZ79QrI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/1KnnHpeAB34UZeE-YwCeByz0mkXNlJt5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4qUdX_eFio/WfNcQZ79QrI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/1KnnHpeAB34UZeE-YwCeByz0mkXNlJt5gCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2365.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday, I met up with my dear Daughters of Norway friends and we made lefse.&nbsp; It's my job to roll the dough and I always look forward to this activity.&nbsp; I had to leave early but I know they made a lot of this delicious flatbread.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc71JwzpC0E/WfNcPrLQ2tI/AAAAAAAAFbM/6JNe31fhhuk8hzA9gcJrEcwfp01qkt2GwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2368_1.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the evening my daughter hosted a party and I made these appetizers to share.&nbsp; It's an easy recipe and they make a nice addition to a party.&nbsp; You'll find the recipe at the bottom of this post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyOjbdyIIhU/WfE8k6x7yEI/AAAAAAAAFaw/-Xv1s3XDTigGb7cCEFga5nmjYB1i1-MwgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyOjbdyIIhU/WfE8k6x7yEI/AAAAAAAAFaw/-Xv1s3XDTigGb7cCEFga5nmjYB1i1-MwgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2222.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been awhile since I shared any knitting, crocheting or needlepoint.&nbsp; I finished the socks above.&nbsp; I called them my Aegean Socks since I knit them while vacationing on the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/theknittednest/mercury-socks" target="_blank">Aegean Sea</a>.&nbsp; You can find the specifics here on my Ravelry page.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Button" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3780" data-attachment-id="3780" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="Button" data-large-file="https://sewchet.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/button.jpg?w=820" data-medium-file="https://sewchet.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/button.jpg?w=300" data-orig-file="https://sewchet.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/button.jpg" data-orig-size="2126,2126" data-permalink="https://sewchet.com/2015/10/13/stitchingsanta-blog-christmas-gift-swap/button-2/" height="320" src="https://sewchet.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/button.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you happen to enjoy knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, etc., please check out <a href="https://sewchet.com/2017/10/07/stitchingsanta-2017/comment-page-1/#comment-11440" target="_blank">#stitchingsanta 2017</a>.&nbsp; Sewchet is hosting a secret santa/swap and you can sign up at her blog.&nbsp; There are two categories to choose from; knitting/crochet or sewing.&nbsp; I think it will be fun.&nbsp; Sign up now if you want to join in as the deadline is October 31!&nbsp; All the info in included in the link above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd better start my day and see what Lilly is up to.&nbsp; I think she's outside hunting geckos!&nbsp; Enjoy your day and I look forward to hear from you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With my best wishes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pat</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Puff Pastry Appetizer</span></i></span></b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>1 Package puff pastry </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>1 small potato&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>1 to 2 tablespoons milk or water </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>1/4 cup to 1/3 cup feta cheese (I use Bulgarian sheep's feta)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>fresh chopped parsley - 1 tablespoon</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>fresh chopped dill or dried dill- 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>1 tsp dried mint</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>fresh chopped sage</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>salt and pepper</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>1 beaten egg</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>**Note**</b></u>You can use any combination of cheese and herbs you may like to make this pastry.&nbsp; Since I have an allergy to cows milk, I use sheep's milk cheese hence the Romano and Bulgarian feta.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Grease muffin tins.&nbsp; (I used a 12 count and a 6 count muffin tin). I use puff pastry squares and cut each square into 4 pieces approximately 2" x2".&nbsp; If you use a large sheet of puff pastry, cut into 2" by 2" squares.&nbsp; Lightly place pastry into muffin tin; gather dough and place in muffin tin but don't press into tin.&nbsp; Let the dough kind of float as when it bakes, it will fill into the tin. &nbsp; </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>To make the filling, microwave potato for about 3 1/2 minutes. Peel and mash adding a little milk or water.&nbsp; Don't add too much liquid as you want the mashed potato to be on the dryer side.&nbsp; Add in cheeses and herbs.&nbsp; Be careful with the salt as if your cheese is salty, add less salt.&nbsp; Add in pepper and then beaten egg.&nbsp; Stir mixture well until it is blended.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Place about 1 tablespoon of filling onto each pastry square.&nbsp; (I usually divide the mixture in the bowl and that way I can judge how much filling to put into each square).&nbsp; Place filled muffin tins into a 400 degree pre-heated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Remove from tin and let cool on a wire rack.&nbsp; Serve and enjoy!&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Although the recipe might look complicated, it is very, very easy.&nbsp; You can adjust the filling to any taste you might like.&nbsp; </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-57669271937815127232017-10-21T20:42:00.001-07:002017-11-12T14:21:24.591-08:00 Beauty of Nature in Small Packages<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello my dear friends.&nbsp; I've had a great two days at home enjoying my favorite things; keeping house and cooking.&nbsp; For some reason, I feel I have so much energy and have already started to plan for the holidays.&nbsp; I hope this energy stays around for awhile :) <i>read to the end of this blog post if you want to hear me rattle on. . .</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sT4tLRqhdl4/WeuOM9lhBsI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/bczu0i2f1TcDEKdCxikANuDwRRYrn4DrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2339_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sT4tLRqhdl4/WeuOM9lhBsI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/bczu0i2f1TcDEKdCxikANuDwRRYrn4DrQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2339_1.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love to collect little dishes and such.&nbsp; You know those tiny jars you get jam or honey in at a hotel?&nbsp; This is a tiny little succulent that I'm trying to sprout and it's in one of those little jars in my kitchen window.&nbsp; I love the symmetry of it all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jR9lq88Kj28/WeuONDUTUAI/AAAAAAAAFaE/4GnxdNDbvLYwSaNxMgrL61130ILARbzVQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2341_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jR9lq88Kj28/WeuONDUTUAI/AAAAAAAAFaE/4GnxdNDbvLYwSaNxMgrL61130ILARbzVQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2341_1.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last week I pulled out all the old tomato vines.&nbsp; There was still a handful of green tomatoes on a couple of them.&nbsp; Here they are in a little earthenware dish I bought in Spain.&nbsp; I hope they turn red.&nbsp; I did leave a few of the unripe one on top of the soil as last time they reseeded themselves and grew up to be lovely tomato plants.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfoZAbSCQG8/WeuONG1czkI/AAAAAAAAFaA/hIRiqXQMZ4keCxA8s_JGdSfgny7Qoi1IgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2343_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfoZAbSCQG8/WeuONG1czkI/AAAAAAAAFaA/hIRiqXQMZ4keCxA8s_JGdSfgny7Qoi1IgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2343_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made a mini bouquet from the flowers I bought earlier in the week.&nbsp; My little crystal vases were being used for something else so this is a Turkish tea glass I'm using as a vase!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZyH069IXuQ/WeuONZVb5GI/AAAAAAAAFaI/Etf4-n7jVjEOgeOCc6EjlYiKvvCT6L_mQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2345_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZyH069IXuQ/WeuONZVb5GI/AAAAAAAAFaI/Etf4-n7jVjEOgeOCc6EjlYiKvvCT6L_mQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2345_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a pumpkin candle.&nbsp; I have a set of them that I use for decorating my fireplace mantle. It sure doesn't feel like fall. . . we are expecting the heat wave to hit tomorrow and they're saying it could break some records.&nbsp; And, it's the end of October!&nbsp; I'm a bit scared as with the heat they are saying the Santa Ana winds (which are fierce, hot winds) may be blowing.&nbsp; That's a huge red flag for fires.&nbsp; Where I live, there is a huge ravine (not sure if that's the word but it's a huge expense of lowland with higher ground on either side that goes for miles).&nbsp; There are communities on both sides of it.&nbsp; Actually, in the area where I live there are three different cities that connect along this ravine.&nbsp; And, there are three&nbsp; bridges that cross over it.&nbsp; Last week, I saw a car parked off the road after crossing the bridge.&nbsp; I first thought it was a police car scanning for speeders. But, there on the side of the car door was a sign "fire watch". I'm not sure if these are volunteers who provide this service or if it's part of the fire department.&nbsp; Either way, it's a very smart idea as if that ravine ever caught fire, it could spread throughout all these communities.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4UVzPIBZ5Y/WeuONwC1iAI/AAAAAAAAFaM/9PdMXgXLIaIfEMnnR68AK_EyTPncoO6-QCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2348_1.jpg" width="398" />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know the heading of this post is <i>beauty of nature in "small" packages </i>but I just had to share a photo of Lilly this morning during her morning naptime.&nbsp; She's not "small" but to me she is so beautiful.&nbsp; And, she is such a sweet natured kitty.&nbsp; My little two year old granddaughter was here last week and loved petting Lilly.&nbsp; Lilly was so kind to her.&nbsp; I think they are good friends now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a question/survey to ask you my dear readers.&nbsp; Do you read blogs or other social media sites where you feel the author writing these pieces has real likes or dislikes?&nbsp; For instance, I read a lot of blogs and they span many subjects.&nbsp; But, there are a couple of them whose main theme is being thrifty.&nbsp; I love to shop for a bargain as do most people.&nbsp; But the more I read some of these blogs, the more I am totally dismayed.&nbsp; It appears that these people are very closed minded and set in their ways unless you follow the same path they do.&nbsp; Examples would be:&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- buying clothes from a department store - never!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- travel/take a cruise - never!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-shopping at an upscale grocery store -never!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-buying a designer/name brand item - never!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The list could go on and on.&nbsp; I have likes and dislikes but I never ever would try and push my agenda onto someone else.&nbsp; Hey, if you want to buy a no name brand or buy a designer brand, that's up to you.&nbsp; But, don't bash people who don't think like you.&nbsp; I'm finding it very rude sometimes.&nbsp; And, their opinions are not limited to consumer goods.&nbsp; Oh no.&nbsp; Some of them are ethnocentric as they don't want anything to do with America and they frequently share this on their blogs.&nbsp; It puzzles me as to why people who know nothing about someone, can hold such negative opinions. I've met some very dear friends abroad via my blog; friends that I hope to meet in person one day and visit their lovely countries.&nbsp; I truly feel we should embrace what we have in common rather than divide. &nbsp; Anyway, that's my rattling on tonight and it has nothing to do with nature and yet it does have to do with one's own nature.&nbsp; I try my hardest to never offend anyone or make anyone feel they don't belong.&nbsp; We should be embracing the beauty of this world we live in regardless of where or what country we live in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy your day everyone.&nbsp; Lilly sends you her meows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With my best wishes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-24263646631062476312017-10-18T19:53:00.000-07:002017-10-18T20:35:03.376-07:00Fall Dinner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Haha...this is titled <i>Fall Dinner </i>but it sure doesn't feel like fall.&nbsp; It was another warm day today in the mid 80's and we're expecting high temps again this weekend.&nbsp; Where are the glorious clouds and rain?<br /><br />I had a great day today.&nbsp; As my dear husband told me this evening, you got to shop and cook.&nbsp; What more can a girl want?&nbsp; I did have fun this afternoon shopping at one of my favorite store, TJ MAXX.&nbsp; You never know what you will find there.&nbsp; Then I came home and made dinner.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A6QddBUI0M/WegNTXPjbqI/AAAAAAAAFZg/DNdbBwaUA4kU-6RpgzntyMm-NPDOgl_mwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A6QddBUI0M/WegNTXPjbqI/AAAAAAAAFZg/DNdbBwaUA4kU-6RpgzntyMm-NPDOgl_mwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had some huge boneless pork chops I took out of the freezer this morning.&nbsp; I was inspired by a recipe I found on Margaret Powling's website, <a href="http://www.margaretpowling.com/?p=3599" target="_blank">Devon Dreaming</a>.&nbsp; I didn't add the cider as I wasn't sure if it was hard cider or regular cider?&nbsp; Either way it turned out very nice.&nbsp; Although, I cooked mine on top of the stove in my le creuset dutch oven.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFmJHoOeFSI/WegNTZB2CGI/AAAAAAAAFZc/oT6iclM4Ebg81oXCNlmhstJ7IebnuNvhQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFmJHoOeFSI/WegNTZB2CGI/AAAAAAAAFZc/oT6iclM4Ebg81oXCNlmhstJ7IebnuNvhQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2333.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had bought some root vegetables&nbsp; last week to make roasted vegetables.&nbsp; I was inspired by a recipe from my friend <a href="https://eroosje.blogspot.com/2010/12/this-thursdays-end.html" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a>.&nbsp; This was the first time I had peeled and roasted a raw beet.&nbsp; It turned out quite well.&nbsp; In the past, I've always either boiled or roasted an <i>unpeeled</i> beet and then used it in my in dishes.&nbsp; Beets are so cheap.&nbsp; I paid 50 cents a pound at the Persian market.&nbsp; If you want fresh beets, they are like $1.50.&nbsp; Yet, I see on TV those advertisements for <i>super beets supplements.&nbsp; </i>No need if you go to your local market and pick up some fresh beets and roast them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDcYrpI07Y0/WegNWL-XraI/AAAAAAAAFZo/vkaRTkwTz801Zr7RYDB92idisWjHoFhlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDcYrpI07Y0/WegNWL-XraI/AAAAAAAAFZo/vkaRTkwTz801Zr7RYDB92idisWjHoFhlACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2334.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just had to buy some fresh flowers for my kitchen table today. I found this huge bunch of chrysanthemums for $5.99 at my local Sprouts store.&nbsp; Sprouts is a unique little market with lots of organic, artsy stuff.&nbsp; But, when they have a sale, it is really quite good.&nbsp; And, best of all, it's across the street from TJ MAXX!&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCq4VuWewKk/WegNWb-TwxI/AAAAAAAAFZs/XSzn2EAnO-I8gqJM48r031iPZUBo2xnlQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2335.jpg" width="225" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found two ripe pears in the frig drawer so I made a pear crumble.&nbsp; No recipe really. I just sliced up the pear into two individual dishes and made a crumb topping with a little flour, brown sugar, oats and butter.&nbsp; I added in a little vanilla powder and cardamon for some flavor.&nbsp; They tasted quite good.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu4_idTsqcc/WegNT22WRvI/AAAAAAAAFZk/jc5ewpovzq0PlkKAQNJiINVOfyBEJC01QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu4_idTsqcc/WegNT22WRvI/AAAAAAAAFZk/jc5ewpovzq0PlkKAQNJiINVOfyBEJC01QCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG2331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's my sweet kitty, Lilly.&nbsp; She enjoyed her morning outside with me today.&nbsp; She's almost too big for the patio chair!&nbsp; It was pleasant sitting outside this morning as we had a little breeze.&nbsp; The good thing about SoCal is that it's warm during the day but almost always cools off at night.&nbsp; Except this week . . . it was still warm when the sun set.&nbsp; Unusual for us for sure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for your kind comments and listening to my complaints on my last blog post.&nbsp; I have to say that finally, keep my fingers crossed, I feel a bit at home this fall here in SoCal.&nbsp; It's probably because I do have memories now made here that I can grow and expand on.&nbsp; I know it sounds funny but really when you get a bit older and your children have grown up, it can be hard to settle in a new place.&nbsp; But, the best thing is that my little grandchildren are a 10 minute drive away and it's so much fun seeing them grow up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've love to hear what you've been up to.&nbsp; How is your weather?&nbsp; I miss the four seasons but I probably don't even have proper shoes to wear for winter :) Sandals and flip flops won't work!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My best to you,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-72132892486027539092017-10-15T15:38:00.001-07:002017-10-18T19:55:51.186-07:00Lessons of Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">&nbsp;It's a quiet Sunday afternoon here.&nbsp; A time for reflection.&nbsp; At 63 years old, I've never been one to reflect or spend a lot of time thinking about myself.&nbsp; But sometimes things can change. . .<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxIh_T2jTuE/WeJMHtTU4UI/AAAAAAAAFYo/32TNV02wVKgBlfZ-Mb2NkfIxEgQ80FRqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxIh_T2jTuE/WeJMHtTU4UI/AAAAAAAAFYo/32TNV02wVKgBlfZ-Mb2NkfIxEgQ80FRqgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2319.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After being in Turkey for six weeks, I returned home and here was a<i> lovely</i> letter from the management company telling me that the front door at one of my rental properties needed to be painted.&nbsp; On Monday, I loaded up my car and after picking up the paint at the paint store, I went to the property.&nbsp; I'd never officially met my tenant since our property manager takes care of that.&nbsp; As I started painting her door, she sat down to chat with me.&nbsp; She's a actress/reality TV star but since I'm not interested in that "stuff" she easily talked with me.&nbsp; Turns out that we are both from the same state and think that Orange County, California is odd! We both had a good laugh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_02EvizXEU/WeJMGjTKllI/AAAAAAAAFYk/QUPTUB5cexcrDscYPUfatAD33Oa0WJWqQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2320.jpg" width="225" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She told me she thought it was "cute" that my husband and I sometimes take care of the repairs on our properties.&nbsp; I told her after 40 years, it's kind of normal.&nbsp; She then asked me about my husband, and when I told her he's an Egyptian Copt she then asked me had I ever felt discriminated against in the middle eastern community.&nbsp; Wow!&nbsp; What a loaded question.&nbsp; If she had asked me 7 years ago, I would have said "no, never".&nbsp; But it finally dawned on me that after being married for 43 years, maybe I have been living in a bubble.&nbsp; It was not until I moved here and started attending churches that are 99% middle eastern did I feel discriminated.&nbsp; Discriminated to the extent that now I have a true phobia.&nbsp; It's lead to me totally alienate myself whenever possible.&nbsp; Isn't that odd?&nbsp; After 43 years?&nbsp; Funny thing is, never, ever has I felt discriminated against in my husband's own country or with his own family.&nbsp; It's been by people who know nothing about me.&nbsp; Only because I don't look like them or speak like them.&nbsp; It's made me sad over and over again.&nbsp; But, this time a light went off and now I'm no longer going to be the victim.&nbsp; I feel I have finally become victorious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To see the story in a clearer view, my husband immigrated to America and settled into a small, eastern Washington town.&nbsp; There was only two other Egyptian families.&nbsp; And, they were of the protestant faith.&nbsp; There were no immigrant churches at that time; even in Seattle.&nbsp; They had no choice but to assimilate into the culture.&nbsp; My husband is 110% American and so proud of this country.&nbsp; Here in Orange County, there are huge groups of people from everywhere in the world.&nbsp; For instance, when a new church opens, you don't get "new members" to the faith.&nbsp; You get "members" from neighboring churches.&nbsp; Hence, they all know each other and some have been close friends for 30 to 40 years.&nbsp; They don't want "outsiders" in their circle.&nbsp; It's sad in that it's a practice that is totally opposite than what their faith professes.&nbsp; And, this is not just happening at one church.&nbsp; Many, many churches.&nbsp; My faith is still there.&nbsp; It will be guarded from now on and more than likely I will worship with my dear little grandchildren at their church God willing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXe8SxerOlQ/WePZhkBhR-I/AAAAAAAAFY8/tFFjQHtT9lI0YxPG61aE41wMwtJk7FZhACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2330_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXe8SxerOlQ/WePZhkBhR-I/AAAAAAAAFY8/tFFjQHtT9lI0YxPG61aE41wMwtJk7FZhACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2330_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On a brighter note, I read so many lovely blogs where they always ask what are your favorite things.&nbsp; I will have to say after handbags and jewelry, I love fine linens.&nbsp; It wasn't always that way.&nbsp; My dear Mother always bought me lovely household linens.&nbsp; But she has been gone for many years (I as 39 years old when she passed away from a sudden stroke).&nbsp; I have to admit next to high thread count hotel linens, I love Italian linens.&nbsp; This is the second set I've bought and it 100% Egyptian cotton made by Patresi.&nbsp; You can find it at the high end department stores (where I never shop), or at Home Goods.&nbsp; It was on sale at $70 off and I love the detail of the hemstitching.&nbsp; (Sorry for the wrinkly photo as they were properly ironed but being cotton, they wrinkle).&nbsp; All the better for a heavenly sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of sleep, my two dear grandchildren (ages 2 &amp; 8), spent the night for the first time together here.&nbsp; They were in bed on time according to their schedule but for some unknown reason, the little one decided to wake up at 4:15AM and sing and talk which then woke up the older one.&nbsp; We all got up by 5:15AM to usher in the new day.&nbsp; They are precious so I will never complain of lack of a little sleep :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope wherever you are you are safe.&nbsp; My heart goes out to all those in the path of the fire storm.&nbsp; The photos are heartbreaking.&nbsp; Have a great week and I will be back again soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With my best wishes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pat</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oops, almost forgot.&nbsp; The lovely bouquet above was given to us my our dear friends.&nbsp; It was a lovely surprise to receive it this week.&nbsp; The vintage Austrian enamelware was a gift from my dear daughter.</span><i> </i></span></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253212297341074368.post-77227433411990047082017-10-10T11:12:00.000-07:002017-10-18T19:55:30.425-07:00It's Good to be Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The joys of home . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I'm back to my routine after spending six wonderful weeks in Turkey.&nbsp; Oh, Turkey. Maybe you have read the disturbing news about America and Turkey suspending visas?&nbsp; What a mess; I wish our government would stay out of other people's business!&nbsp; But, that's a story for another time...<br /><br />Today I thought I'd share a little bit about what I've been up to this week.&nbsp; My jet lag is not so bad and my energy level is high.&nbsp; Yes!&nbsp; My home is always "clean" but not everything is organized in the cupboards, closets, etc.&nbsp; I recently discovered a new blog and it has really inspired me to get myself in gear and try to decorate a little more posh.&nbsp; It's been fun as I have so much "stuff" to decorate with.&nbsp; And, my cupboards have been cleaned along with my closet.&nbsp; So, things are looking up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Np01r4h2oRs/Wd0DCgXwe7I/AAAAAAAAFXM/DNyFsYXt5K02R6s6EtOYIQH_DFVPiSH8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Np01r4h2oRs/Wd0DCgXwe7I/AAAAAAAAFXM/DNyFsYXt5K02R6s6EtOYIQH_DFVPiSH8QCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2301.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My new decor for my nightstand.&nbsp; I used to read in bed years ago but not anymore.&nbsp; My nightstand looked so bare and neglected.&nbsp; When I wake up now, I see something bright and happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zttiHxox4Xc/Wd0MGn4CK2I/AAAAAAAAFX8/ykD1z7gGXaMqJki6uTlNxhAoYWetcRmfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zttiHxox4Xc/Wd0MGn4CK2I/AAAAAAAAFX8/ykD1z7gGXaMqJki6uTlNxhAoYWetcRmfQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2313.jpg" width="225" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I went to the store to buy fresh flowers but I didn't feel like buying pink or red flowers for fall.&nbsp; Instead I opted for this "green" bouquet.&nbsp; It matches the decor quite well and will last for a long time as it's fresh greenery vs flowers.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSjbFG_cLAg/Wd0GQlFc9AI/AAAAAAAAFXo/-kp1b-CFq8QSeMB68k-eLJu0z_tQHbGXACLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2310.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found my fall decorations and decorated the mantle in the family room.&nbsp; I bought these little pumpkin candles years ago and have used them as decor vs candles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhCKAGH5TPk/Wd0RXMcTlXI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/p078jtgb6tUez-JnU1RUXhurfelRVpU9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG2314_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhCKAGH5TPk/Wd0RXMcTlXI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/p078jtgb6tUez-JnU1RUXhurfelRVpU9QCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2314_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just have to show you my new electric tea kettle.&nbsp; I think this is the 5th one we have had.&nbsp; Years ago when they came out, we bought one and it lasted for so long.&nbsp; Since then we've gone through a couple of them that didn't last long at all.&nbsp; This is the latest one from Amazon.&nbsp; The cost was $25.00 and free shipping, too!&nbsp; So far, it's working great, heats the water fast and is an attractive design, too. (Do you spy my new cookie/cake tin? A new buy this week from Home Goods.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMig9avjLOw/Wd0C_OfttkI/AAAAAAAAFXI/RQU79Xq_6U4Wvn1pO7k8IPpAEvr6SOEkwCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2308.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;People have asked me how did my cat Lilly get along without me for so long.&nbsp; She did great.&nbsp; She got to stay at home and we have some dear friends who come by every couple of days to take care of her, pet her and let her wander in the back yard for awhile.&nbsp; The best thing I did before I left was to buy Lilly this HUGE covered litter box.&nbsp; It's amazing and no more mess.&nbsp; I should have done this years ago but Lilly is a 17 pound cat and my dear Pumpkin was 15 pounds.&nbsp; Try and find a covered litter box to fit a big, beautiful kitty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YypGkKZdriQ/Wd0DDzfnnCI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/CugXwhOOv20ZXIUbHuFA-dWT9J4pRvdbQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG2305.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I left my completed needlepoint in Turkey after I had them framed.&nbsp; This is a new one I've started on and it's huge compared to the other pieces.&nbsp; It's going to take me awhile since the colors are a bit darker and for my eyes makes it more difficult.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's nice to be home and get ready for all the upcoming fall activities.&nbsp; So many people have asked me if it's safe to go to Turkey.&nbsp; We've never experienced any problem whatsoever.&nbsp; Staying home could be just as toxic with the horrible Las Vegas shootings and the San Bernardino shootings.&nbsp; Both of those incidents hit very close to home.&nbsp; And, since yesterday morning we have a horrible wild fire near us burning down houses and destroying beautiful&nbsp; natural areas.&nbsp; If the wind had blown in the opposite direction, we would have been in danger.&nbsp; We've been having Santa Ana winds which are strong, warm winds that cause havoc each year.&nbsp; My hearts and prayers go out to everyone effected by these sad events.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd love to hear what you've been up to.&nbsp; I'm going to plant some spring bulbs, iron and enjoy my day at home.&nbsp; It's always good to be home.&nbsp; Thank you for visiting today!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My best wishes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Lilly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03484364335120267101noreply@blogger.com17